Buddha Indian philosopher and the founder of Buddhism, born in Lumbini, Nepal. He was theson of the head of the Sakya warrior caste, with the private name of Siddhartha; in later life hewas known also as Sakyamuni (Sage of the Sakyas). The name Gautama Buddha is acombination of the family name Gautama and the appellation Buddha, meaning “Enlightened One.” All the surviving accounts of Buddha's life were written many years after his death by idealizing …showed first 75 words of 612 total…

…showed last 75 words of 612 total…of the greatest human beings, a man of noble character, penetrating vision, warm compassion, and profound thought. Not only did he establish a great new religion, but his revolt against Hindu hedonism, asceticism, extreme spiritualism, and the caste system deeply influenced Hinduism itself. His rejection of metaphysical speculation and his logical thinking introduced an important scientific strain heretofore lacking in Oriental thought. Buddha's teachings have influenced the lives of millions of people for nearly 2500 years.