The beliefs of the Buddhist religion derive from Prince Siddartha Gautama, nowadays known simply as The Buddha. Although there are no written records from his lifetime, around 2,500 years ago, his words were passed on orally and are still as relevant today as they were then.Little is known for certain about the life of this highly spiritual and influential leader but it is believed that, through meditation, he sought and attained Enlightenment, enabling him to find a way to end the eternal cycle of suffering he perceived on earth. The word Buddha means "Awakened One", describing the state of Enlightenment that is achievable through meditation. Buddhism stems from his teachings to the many who followed him. However, it is not necessary to have religious beliefs to appreciate the truth and validity of his teachings. They provide a valuable set of guidelines for living that any of us can benefit from. Read his words and discover this for yourself.