The Buddha refers to Siddhartha Gautama, a spiritual leader who lived in ancient India around the 5th to 4th century BCE. He is known for founding Buddhism, a major world religion that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. After experiencing a profound spiritual awakening, the Buddha shared his insights on suffering, the nature of reality, and the importance of compassion. His teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, guide followers in overcoming suffering and achieving Nirvana, a state of liberation and peace.