
Shakyamuni Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)
Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher born around the 5th century BCE in ancient India. He founded Buddhism by seeking to understand and overcome human suffering through meditation, ethical living, and insight into the nature of reality. His teachings emphasize compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of wisdom to attain enlightenment or Nirvana—freedom from cycle of birth and death. As a historical figure, he is regarded as an enlightened teacher whose insights continue to inspire millions seeking inner peace and understanding.