Buddhism is a religion which has millions of followers. It is widespread and has its largest following in South East Asia.
The religion is founded on the teachings of a man called Gautama Buddha who lived in India in the 6th century BC. Buddha was born into a wealthy, high-caste family. After seeing the misery of a man with Buddha turned his back on the privileged life he led.
He spent time meditating and realised what he considered to be the great truths. He believed that people should strive to escape from the passions of life and to lead a moderate life of health and meditation.
So revolutionary were his ideas that they began to attract publicity and followers. By the time Buddha died, many people were following his ideas. After Ashoka, ruler of the Maurya Empire, was converted to Buddhism, a meeting of the leading Buddhists was held in 250 BC. At this meeting the teachings of Buddha were formalised into a religion and a plan of conversion set out which eventually converted large areas of Asia to the new religion.
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