Buddhism is a spiritual tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who lived in ancient India. It emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. Central to Buddhism is the understanding of the Four Noble Truths, which outline the nature of suffering and the way to overcome it. Buddhism encourages followers to cultivate compassion and mindfulness in their daily lives. It offers various schools of thought, including Theravada and Mahayana, each with unique interpretations and practices. Ultimately, Buddhism seeks to help individuals achieve a state of inner peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.