Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that originated in ancient India around the 5th century BCE, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. It teaches the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. Central to Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering and the way to overcome it. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and compassion towards all living beings. It encourages followers to understand the impermanence of life and to cultivate a sense of inner peace. Various branches of Buddhism, such as Theravada and Mahayana, offer different interpretations and practices, but all share the core teachings of the Buddha.