Final answer:
Buddhism revolves around the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha after attaining enlightenment. His teachings on overcoming suffering through the middle way led to Buddhism's spread, heavily shaping Indian culture and beyond. The Buddha's key contributions include the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Step-by-step explanation:
Buddhism is centered around the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment and hence was titled the Buddha, meaning 'the awakened one'. Born a prince around 500 B.C.E, Siddhartha experienced a life of luxury before encountering the realities of aging, sickness, and death. These encounters sparked his spiritual quest for enlightenment. Rejecting extreme asceticism, he adopted the middle way and found enlightenment while meditating. His insights led to the foundation of Buddhism, with its key teachings on the impermanence of the world and the non-existence of a permanent self.
The core principles of Buddhism include the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which prescribe a path to liberation from suffering. Buddhism grew rapidly following Siddhartha's enlightenment, heavily influencing Indian culture, art, and religion. King Ashoka's later adoption and propagation of the religion helped to spread its tenets and practices further. Buddha's teachings continue to guide Buddhists in leading moral lives, mindfully practicing the middle way, and aiming to achieve enlightenment and eventual freedom from the cycle of rebirth.