# data[].attributes.body
In the beginning, it began with turtles and squirrels rising up and taking over the world.

# data[].attributes.body
It began when Siddhartha, a prince of the Kshatriya class, was unsatisfied. He left his palace and traveled.

# data[].attributes.body
While he had never had to deal with problems many people faced, he felt something was missing. When he left, he saw the suffering and wanted to help.

# data[].attributes.body
Siddhartha saw people grieving and wondered why their was so much pain in the world.

# data[].attributes.body
As a result he began ask questions about the meaning of human life.

# data[].attributes.body
When Siddhartha was 30 he left home and traveled.

# data[].attributes.body
He discussed problems with priests and wise people, no one could answer his questions well.

# data[].attributes.body
Siddhartha did not give up. He began fasting and meditating.

# data[].attributes.body
According to legends, he spent many years wandering.

# data[].attributes.body
He eventually came to a town called Gaya, near the Ganges River. He then meditated under a tree for seven weeks before he realized the human suffering comes from wanting what we like but do not have, wanting to keep what we like and already have, and not wanting what we dislike, but have.

# data[].attributes.body
Siddhartha spent seven more weeks under that tree, before sharing his ideas with five of his former companions. The tree became know as the tree of wisdom and Siddhartha became known as he Buddha, or the enlightened one at 35 when he found enlightenment under that tree. The Buddha spent the rest of his life spreading his ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
Buddhism teaches that there are Four Noble Truths.

# data[].attributes.body
They are-Suffering and unhappiness are part of human life. No one can escape sorrow.

# data[].attributes.body
People can overcome their desires and ignorance  and reach nirvana, a state of perfect peace. Reaching nirvana would free a person's soul from suffering and from the need for further reincarnation.

# data[].attributes.body
People can overcome ignorance by following an eight-fold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, and salvation.

# data[].attributes.body
Buddha did not think that you needed priests or rituals for enlightenment.

# data[].attributes.body
He did not think that you need castes or varnas, if you followed the Eightfold path you would get salvation.

# data[].attributes.body
The eight fold path teaches
Right Thought- Believing in the nature of existence of suffering and in the four Noble Truths.
Right Intent-Incline towards goodness and kindness.
Right Speech-Avoid lies and gossip
Right Action-Don't steal from or harm others.
Right Livelihood-Reject work that hurts others.
Right Effort-Prevent evil and do good.
Right Mindfulness-Control you thoughts and feelings.
Right Concentration-Practice proper meditation.

# data[].attributes.body
Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure and material goods. People are the cause of their own misery because the want things they cannot have.

# data[].attributes.body
After Buddha's death, his teachings continued to spread throughout Asia.

# data[].attributes.body
After his death, they are also was a split in the religion. The two groups disagreed on how to interpret Buddha's teachings. The Theravada Branch wanted to be as literal as possible, while the Mahayana Branch wanted to let people interpret Buddha's teachings themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Many of Buddha's teachings challenged Hinduism.

# data[].attributes.body
Buddha thought that Brahmins were not need.

# data[].attributes.body
He thought people could find salvation on their own.

# data[].attributes.body
He also thought that your caste should not affect your chance at salvation.

# data[].attributes.body
He reject many ideas from the Vedas such as animal sacrifice.

# data[].attributes.body
He directly challenged the Vedas by telling people they did not have to follow the texts.

# data[].attributes.body
Buddha's opposition to Hinduism's caste system brought him many followers.

# data[].attributes.body
They were usually from the lower castes or untouchables.

# data[].attributes.body
Buddha also got followers from higher castes.

# data[].attributes.body
They liked the idea of less extreme behavior for salvation.