The Buddhist religion was founded by the son of
Queen Maya, and King Suddhodana, who ruled a
small kingdom in northern India over 2000 years
ago. His name was Siddhartha Gautama.

Until he was 29, he lived in a palace, surrounded
by riches and luxury. When he was 29 years old,
he went to the village to see how common
people lived. Siddhartha discovered that
people get old, get sick, and die. He was
shocked that there was so much suffering in the world.
He gave up all his riches to become a poor holy man. After studying with the most well known religious teachers for 6 years, he still was not satisfied. Siddhartha sat under a great Bo tree to meditate. He was tempted to give up his search for the Answer. He resisted these temptations, and gradually, Siddhartha was no more. He was now Buddha, or Enlightened One. He began to preach about nirvana, which is the state where a person is not affected by age, sickness and death. Buddha preached for 45 years before entering parinirvana, which is a state of total peace, or death.

The sangha, or the community of monks and nuns that are dedicated to Buddhism, spend their lives meditating, and learning the ways of dharma. Dharma is the teachings of Buddha. Included in this are the four noble truths, which are:
1. There is suffering.
2. The cause of suffering is wanting.
3. Suffering can end completely.
4. The Eightfold Path is the cure.

The Eightfold Path is when you develop good Understanding, Thought, Speech, Action, Work, Effort, Mindfulness, and Meditation. Those that follow the dharma try not to hurt any living being.