Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is revered as the founder of Buddhism and one of the most influential spiritual teachers in history. Born into royalty in ancient India, he renounced his privileged life to seek enlightenment and understanding of the human condition. After years of meditation and introspection, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha, or "the awakened one." His teachings, known as the Dharma, emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, guiding followers towards liberation from suffering and the attainment of inner peace.