Buddhist

A Buddhist is a follower of Buddhism, a diverse tradition of beliefs and practices based on the teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. Buddhists seek to end suffering by cultivating ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom. Central doctrines include the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose suffering and its causes, and the Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical living and mental development. The concepts of karma and rebirth are common across traditions, and the ultimate goal is nirvana, a release from cyclic existence.

Practitioners may be laypeople or monastics. Common practices include generosity (dana), ethical discipline (sila), meditation (samadhi), mindfulness, and study of scriptures. The sangha refers to the community of practitioners. Buddhist practice is often tailored to local cultures and individual needs, with temples, meditation centers, and lay groups playing important roles in daily life.

Buddhism comprises several major traditions. Theravada emphasizes early scriptures in Pali and is prevalent in Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia. Mahayana broadens the path with many sutras and schools such as Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren. Vajrayana, often called Tibetan Buddhism, adds tantric practices and elaborate rituals. Each tradition has its own rituals, liturgies, and devotional forms, yet they share core concepts such as compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of liberation.

Texts include the Pali Canon (Tipitaka), various Mahayana sutras, and tantric tantras. Buddhism has a long global presence, influencing arts, philosophy, and daily life in many regions.