1001 Space Earth Nature History First Civilisations Ancient Egypt Biblical Times Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Chinese, Japanese Civilisations Indian Civilisation African Civilisation The Early Americas The Rise of Islam The Middle Ages The Renaissance Civil War and Revolution The Industrial Revolution Two World Wars 20th-century Achievements Human World Science and Technology

Who was the Buddha? A young Indian prince called Siddhartha Gautama lived 2,500 years ago. He was so upset by the poverty of his people that he decided to give up his riches, live simply, and search for the inner meaning of life. He became known as the Buddha, which means the 'Enlightened One', and set about teaching what he had learned. He called his teaching the 'Middle Way', but it has become known as Buddhism. In Sri Lanka a great procession is held every year to honour a holy relic, the Sacred Tooth of the Buddha; it is carried on the back of an elephant.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: History Chapter: Indian Civilisation