Over 2,000 years ago in the ancient land of India lived a wealthy prince, named Siddhartha Gautama. 

He realized one day that there was more to life than his royal life at the castle. People were suffering, and he was determined to stop it. 

We are in pain!

I must find a way to end this suffering!

So Siddhartha set out and lived apart from others for 6 years. He finally settled down and meditated for 6 days until he figured out how to end suffering. He called this "enlightenment". People now referred to him as "The Buddha."

Once worldly cares and desires are forgotten, one can forget suffering and reach Nirvana, a place of peace and prosperity! To reach Nirvana, all you have to do is obey the 4-Noble Truths.

You are probably wondering... what DID Siddhartha discover? Let's take a look inside The Buddha's thought bubble. 

1. Life is full of suffering

2. Suffering is caused by satisfaction

3. Ending suffering means ending selfish goals 

4. Follow the Middle Path.

4 Noble Truths

Here's a closer look at the ideas of Siddhartha. 

The Middle Path

- Right view 

- Right intention 

- Right speech 

- Right action 

- Right livelihood

- Right effort 

- Right mindfulness 

- Right concentration

These teachings of the Buddha are known as 'dharma'

Siddhartha also believed in reincarnation, which is being born into another life after death. Karma (good or bad actions) leads to the kind of life people will live. 

Cycle of Life!

Reaching Nirvana

Rebirth

Life

Don't you think Siddhartha's story sounds awesome? Guess what! It's a true story, and millions of people over the world practice this concept called "Buddhism" today. 

Many Buddhists practice in Asian countries, like North and South Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan.