Origin

After Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, Buddhism originated.

Born in Lumbini around the 5th century BCE into a royal family of the Shakya clan, Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one" or "the enlightened one," played a crucial role in the origin of Buddhism. His father, King Suddhodana, aspired for Siddhartha to become a great ruler.

However, at 29, Siddhartha ventured beyond the palace walls, setting forth on a profound spiritual journey. Abandoning his princely life, he immersed himself in rigorous ascetic practices and sought wisdom from esteemed spiritual teachers of his era.

After six years of intense spiritual practice and meditation, Siddhartha experienced a profound realization while seated under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. This revelation allowed him to see the nature of suffering and its cessation, marking the birth of Buddhism and earning him the title of the Buddha.

Subsequently, the Buddha dedicated the rest of his life to extensive travels throughout the Indian subcontinent, sharing his teachings on the Dharma with all who were receptive. Around the age of 80, in Kushinagar, India, the Buddha passed away. Nevertheless, his teachings persisted throughout the region, eventually reaching various parts of Asia and beyond. This propagation gave rise to Buddhism's diverse and rich traditions that thrive today.