Buddha and Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama was a teacher from ancient India whose followers call him the Buddha, meaning the awakened one.

What It Means

Siddhartha Gautama lived more than 2,500 years ago in northern India or Nepal. Stories say he left a palace life to search for why people suffer and how they can find peace.

How People Practice or Remember It

After deep meditation, he became known as the Buddha, or awakened one. Buddhists remember him as a teacher, not as a king or conqueror.

Things to Remember

• Siddhartha Gautama lived more than 2,500 years ago in northern India or Nepal.
• Stories say he left a palace life to search for why people suffer and how they can find peace.
• After deep meditation, he became known as the Buddha, or awakened one.
• Buddhists remember him as a teacher, not as a king or conqueror.

Did You Know?

People learn about Buddha in different ways, including family traditions, teachers, books, art, music, and visits to important places.