Buddhism

A path out of suffering.

Core teaching

The Four Noble Truths identify suffering, its origin in craving, its cessation, and the Eightfold Path leading there. Impermanence and non-self are central ideas.

Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana are the main branches.
Meditation practice takes many distinct forms across schools.

Spread

From northern India across Asia, adapting substantially in each region. Zen, Pure Land and Tibetan traditions look very different while sharing a root.