Siddhartha Gautama: founder, first Buddha

Gurus: today's spiritual leaders

Dalai Lama: famous guru in Tibetan Buddhism

Believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), governed by karma

Believe that the ultimate goal is to reach the state of enlightenment, or nirvana

Believe the Four Noble Truths:
1) all existence is unsatisfactory and filled with suffering
2) suffering arises from desire
3) suffering can cease when you achieve nirvana
4) you can reach nirvana by following the Eightfold Path
(which consists of wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation)

BUDDHISM BELIEFS

Buddhist leaders