School of Thought
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, teaching that liberation from suffering is reached through ethical living, meditation and insight along the Middle Way.
Beginning in ancient India in the 5th century BC, Buddhism spread across Asia and the world, offering a path beyond suffering grounded in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Buddhism began with the awakening of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in ancient India. Confronting the universality of suffering, he taught a Middle Way between indulgence and self-denial, set out in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
The tradition spread far beyond India, carried across Asia in part by the patronage of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, and today is one of the world’s major religions and philosophical systems, shaping ethics, meditation and art on every continent.
Core Ideas
- The Four Noble Truths
- The Noble Eightfold Path
- The Middle Way between indulgence and asceticism
- Karma, rebirth and the goal of nirvana
Founders
Key Figures of Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama
97Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was a spiritual teacher of ancient India whose insights into suffering and liberation founded Buddhism, now one of the world's major religions.
Ashoka the Great
90Ashoka was the third emperor of the Maurya Empire who, after a devastating war, embraced Buddhism and non-violence, becoming one of history's most remarkable rulers.
Ashoka the Great
90Ashoka was the third emperor of the Maurya Empire who, after a devastating war, embraced Buddhism and non-violence, becoming one of history's most remarkable rulers.
Siddhartha Gautama
97Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was a spiritual teacher of ancient India whose insights into suffering and liberation founded Buddhism, now one of the world's major religions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, which teaches that suffering can be overcome through ethical conduct, meditation and wisdom along the Middle Way.
Who founded Buddhism?
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha ('the Awakened One'), in ancient India around the 5th century BC.