گوتم (Buddha) was a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism, born in the 5th to 4th century BCE in what is now Nepal. His birth name was Siddhartha Gautama, and he was a prince who renounced his royal life in search of enlightenment. After years of meditation and ascetic practices, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha, meaning "the Awakened One." Buddha's teachings focus on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which guide individuals toward overcoming suffering and achieving Nirvana. His philosophy emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and the importance of ethical conduct, influencing millions and leading to the establishment of various schools of thought within Buddhism.