Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
The spiritual teacher whose life and teachings founded Buddhism, one of the world's major religions, followed by hundreds of millions today
Raised in a life of royal luxury deliberately shielded from human suffering, this prince abandoned his privileged existence the moment he encountered old age, sickness, and death for the very first time.
A Sheltered Royal Upbringing
Born a prince, Siddhartha Gautama was reportedly raised in deliberate luxury, shielded by his father from exposure to suffering, illness, and death during his early life.
The Four Sights
According to tradition, Siddhartha's worldview was transformed after encountering old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic, prompting him to abandon his royal life in search of deeper meaning.
Achieving Enlightenment
After years of spiritual searching, Siddhartha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath a Bodhi tree, becoming "the Buddha," meaning the awakened one.
Founding Buddhism
The Buddha's subsequent teachings, emphasizing the path to end suffering through the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, formed the foundation of Buddhism, now followed by hundreds of millions worldwide.
