Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama Buddha (Sanskrit) or Siddhattha Gotama (Pali), was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, whose teachings form the foundation of Buddhism. He is most commonly referred to as “the Buddha,” a title meaning “awakened one” or “the enlightened one.” The term "Buddha" is also used more generally to refer to the first awakened being in any era. In most Buddhist traditions, Siddhartha Gautama is regarded as the Supreme Buddha (P. sammāsambuddha, S. samyaksambuddha) of our current age.

Gautama Buddha is also known by the title Shakyamuni Buddha (Sanskrit: Śākyamuni), meaning “Sage of the Shakyas” or “The Awakened One of the Shakya Clan.” He taught a path known as the Middle Way, which avoided both extreme asceticism and indulgence. This teaching was a contrast to the strict practices of the Sramana (renunciation) movement, which was widespread in his region at the time. After attaining enlightenment, he taught throughout parts of eastern India, including the regions of Magadha and Kosala.

The exact dates of Gautama’s birth and death remain uncertain. Earlier historians in the 20th century estimated his life spanned from approximately 563 BCE to 483 BCE. However, more recent scholarship suggests his death occurred between 486 and 483 BCE, or possibly between 411 and 400 BCE. A specialist symposium held in 1988 in Göttingen saw a majority of scholars suggesting dates within 20 years of 400 BCE for his death, although these proposed timelines have not been universally accepted.

Gautama is the central figure in Buddhism, and stories of his life, teachings, and monastic rules were preserved after his passing. These teachings were memorized by his followers and passed down through oral tradition for several centuries. They were eventually committed to writing approximately 400 years later, becoming the foundation for the vast body of Buddhist scriptures.