Buddhists are individuals who follow the teachings of Buddhism, a spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in the 5th to 4th century BCE. They seek to understand the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and mindfulness. Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, which outline the reality of suffering and the way to overcome it. Buddhists may belong to various schools, including Theravada and Mahayana, each with its own interpretations and practices, but all share a commitment to personal and spiritual development.