Buddha refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who lived around the 5th to 4th century BCE in ancient India. He is known for achieving enlightenment after years of meditation and ascetic practices. The term "Buddha" means "the awakened one," and he shared his insights on suffering, the nature of reality, and the path to spiritual liberation. Buddhism, the religion that emerged from his teachings, emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a guide to overcoming suffering and achieving Nirvana. Today, Buddha's teachings continue to influence millions around the world, promoting values such as compassion, mindfulness, and ethical living.