The founder of Buddhism is Siddhartha Guatama. His teachings spread across Asia to become the core beliefs of one of the worlds most influentials religions. Buddhism is 2,500 years old. There are currently 376 million followers worldwide. Guatamas early life is known mostly through various religions writing and literature. He was born a prince about 536 BC. According to tradition, his mother dreamed that a radiant white elephant descended from her to heaven. Signs led that he would become a wandering holy man. To prevent that from happening, his parents kept him in the family palaces, surrounded by comfort and luxury. At age 16, Guatama married a beautiful woman and enjoyed a beautiful life. At age 29, his life changed. One day he took a ride outside of the palace and met an old man. On following rides he saw a sick person and a dead body. This was his first insight of human suffering. Guatama wondered for years, seeking answers from Hindu scholars.

Buddhism