Buddhism's history is a profound journey of spiritual discovery that began over 2,500 years ago with Siddhartha Gautama in ancient India. Known as the Buddha, he sought to understand suffering and the path to enlightenment. His teachings, the Dharma, emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, guiding followers toward spiritual liberation. As Buddhism spread across Asia, it influenced various cultures and evolved into traditions like Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each rooted in Buddha’s core principles.
Art has been crucial in conveying Buddhism’s teachings, making the Dharma accessible. The meditative image of the Buddha, with serene expressions and symbolic mudras, embodies ideals of inner peace and compassion. Structures like stupas and temples, along with Tibetan thangkas and grand Buddha statues, symbolize the spiritual journey and preserve the Buddha's influence across generations.