Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gauama in 623 B.C. He was born into a Hindu family, and his father was the king of the tribe. When he was a baby Brahmin priests came to see him, and they prophesied that he would be come a spiritual leader. His parents did not want this, so they lavished him with earthly gifts. When Siddhartha was 29 years old he wanted to see the outside world, for this faimly had never let him outside the palace walls. His family refused, but he snuck outside the palace for four days. On the first day Siddhartha saw a sick man for the first thim. On the second day he saw an old man for the first time. On the third day he saw a corpse for the first time. And on the fourth day he saw a begger for the first time.

After Siddhartha saw all of these things he realized that this was the inexcapable fate of all human beings. He decided to leave his current lifestyle and try to find the meaning of his life. He first tried extreme meditation. Then he tried fasting by only eating one meal per week and using breath control. But he decided none of these methods work. He dicided to find the middle way. On his 35th birthday he sat under the Bodhi tree and decided not to get up until he became fully awakened. On the first night be developed the ability to remember events from his previous lives. On the second night he learned how the good and bad deeds of all living beings followed them into their next lives. And on the third night he learned that the need for worldly fulfilment wasn't necessary. He had reached nirvana.

Buddhhists believe that the goal in life is to liberate themselves from the world by reaching Nirvana, which releases hem from the cycle of reincarnation. To do this they must understand the four Noble Truths.

Typically, Buddhists don't believe in any type of God. They don't believe in the need for a savior, or in life after death.

The Four Noble Truths These truths explain the meaning of human suffering

1. Suffering exists. The aspects of existance are unfulfilling and worldly things are unsatisfactory.
2. There is a cause for suffering. The desire for earthly things cause pain.
3. There is an end to suffering. You must free yourself from earthly desire.
   
4. To end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path is a cycle that brings people to the end of suffering

1. Perfect Understanding. Develope an understanding of the Four Noble Trught
2. Perfect Thought. Avoid angery thoughts and follow the right path.
3. Perfect Speech. Avoid false speech and harsh words.
4. Perfect Action. Conduct yourself in a peaceful manner. Follow Five Precepts.
5. Perfect Livelihood Support your life, but don't harm others.
6. Perfect Effort Discipline mind and conquer evil thoughts.
7. Perfect Mindfulness Be aware of actions, thoughts, words, and feelings.
8. Perfect Concentration Meditate to reach a higher state of consciousness.

Five Precepts: The Five Precepts are rules to live by that help people to conduct themselves well.

1. Do not kill or cause harm to any living being
2. Do not take things that have not been given to you
3. Do not lie
4. Do not misuse sex
5. Do not consume alcohol or other intoxicants