Buddhists

Buddhists are adherents of Buddhism, a tradition and worldview that originated in the Indian subcontinent over two millennia ago. They follow the teachings attributed to the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and to later teachers who expanded on those ideas. Buddhism has since spread across Asia and the world, adapting to local cultures while preserving core principles.

The central aim of Buddhism is liberation from suffering through awakening. Core beliefs include the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose suffering and its causes and outline a path to its cessation; and the Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. Buddhists commonly believe in karma and rebirth, with actions shaping future experiences. The Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community)—serve as refuges and anchors for practice. Many traditions are non-theistic or view the Buddha as an exemplary teacher rather than a deity.

Practices vary by tradition but typically emphasize ethical living, meditation, and the development of wisdom. Lay Buddhists observe precepts such as non-harming and truthfulness, while monastic communities pursue deeper disciplines. Meditation techniques range from mindfulness and concentration to insight into emptiness. Rituals, devotional practices, and study of scriptures are common in various forms of Buddhism.

Major traditions include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada is common in Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia; Mahayana is dominant in East Asia; Vajrayana, including Tibetan Buddhism, uses tantric methods. Buddhist scriptures are diverse, with the Pali Canon for Theravada, a growing canon of Mahayana sutras, and Tibetan tantras and commentaries. Globally, Buddhism encompasses hundreds of millions of practitioners in diverse cultures and communities.