Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that originated in ancient India and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha. It emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment through meditation, ethical conduct, and the Four Noble Truths.
Related terms
Nirvana: Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from suffering and rebirth. It is achieved through following Buddhist principles and attaining spiritual awakening.
Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines or steps that Buddhists follow to achieve enlightenment. It includes aspects such as right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Bodhisattva: A bodhisattva refers to an enlightened being who compassionately postpones their own entry into nirvana to assist others in their spiritual journey. They are seen as role models within Mahayana Buddhism.