GautamGotama

Gautam Gotama is a figure associated with the origins of Buddhism. He is more commonly known by his spiritual name, Siddhartha Gautama, or by the title "the Buddha," meaning "the awakened one." Historical accounts suggest he was born a prince in Lumbini, in what is now Nepal, around the 5th century BCE. His early life was marked by privilege, but upon encountering the realities of suffering, he renounced his worldly possessions and embarked on a spiritual quest.

After years of asceticism and meditation, Siddhartha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. Following this awakening, he spent the rest of his life teaching the path to liberation from suffering, known as the Dharma. His teachings emphasize principles such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which guide individuals towards wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. The community of monks and nuns he established, the Sangha, became instrumental in preserving and spreading his teachings throughout Asia and eventually the world. The name "Gautam Gotama" refers to his clan name, Gautama, and his personal name, Siddhartha.