Buddhism is a spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in ancient India around the 5th century BCE. Key aspects of Buddhism include:

1. Four Noble Truths: The foundation of Buddhist philosophy, which explains the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.
2. Eightfold Path: A practical guide for ethical and mental development to end suffering.
3. Karma and Rebirth: The belief that actions have consequences, influencing future lives.
4. Meditation: Practices for developing mindfulness, concentration, and insight.
5. Non-violence: Emphasis on compassion and avoiding harm to all living beings.

Buddhism teaches that by understanding the nature of reality and cultivating wisdom and compassion, one can achieve enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It has spread widely across Asia and more recently to other parts of the world, developing various schools and traditions along the way.