what is buddhism

Buddhism is an Indian religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, an enlightened spiritual teacher who lived around the 6th or 5th century BCE. It is the world's fourth-largest religion with about 320 million followers worldwide. Buddhism developed as a śramaṇa movement in the eastern Gangetic plain of India and later spread throughout much of Asia and beyond. At its core, Buddhism teaches a path to awakening and liberation from suffering (dukkha). The Buddha taught that suffering arises due to attachment and clinging, and he proposed a Middle Way between extreme asceticism and indulgence. Key teachings include the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose the nature of suffering and its cessation, and the Noble Eightfold Path, which outlines ethical and mental practices leading to enlightenment or Nirvana. Buddhism emphasizes meditation, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. It does not revolve around worship of a creator god but focuses on understanding reality as it truly is and transforming one's experience through spiritual development. The community of monks and nuns, called the Sangha, plays a vital role in preserving and spreading the Buddha's teachings. Thus, Buddhism is both a spiritual practice and a way of living aimed at achieving insight into the true nature of existence and ending the cycle of suffering. This summary captures the main essence of Buddhism and its foundational principles. If you'd like, I can provide more detail on specific Buddhist concepts, practices, or history.