Gautama Buddha, or Siddhartha, is believed to have lived around 560-400 BCE. His teachings laid the groundwork for Buddhism. He is thought to have spent his life in the eastern parts of ancient India, teaching, giving sermons, meditating, and famously achieving enlightenment. He spent much of his life offering help to other seekers. His teachings were passed down by word of mouth for hundreds of years before finally being put into writing some 400 years after his death. His words of wisdom continue to provide guidance for millions of people all over the world.