Over time, many important events have shaped history, from natural disasters to wars to endless political feuds, they have all played an important role in the 'history. But there is one that has had the most influential effect of all: religion. Over time, an abundance of different religions and practices have formed over the years, from Christianity to Judaism, each with its own impact on culture and society. One of the main religions that formed was Buddhism. Today we will discuss how Buddhism was founded, its practices, and how it changed as it entered a new area and interacted with a new people. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as "Buddha", born around 2565 years ago in what is now part of Nepal. Contemporary of Mahavira and from the same warrior social class, born son of a chief of one of the Himalayan tribes (McKay, 2012). At twenty-nine, dissatisfied with his life of comfort, he left home to become a wandering ascetic. He traveled south to the kingdom of Magadha, where he studied with yoga masters (McKay, 2012). According to ancient traditions, Buddha was meditating under a tree when he achieved enlightenment, defined as perfect vision of the process of the universe, after this process he began preaching his beliefs to massive groups of people and began to attract a diverse audience (McKay, 2012). His concise teachings on human analysis and the human condition attracted crowds because they represented a change from the rigid social structure of North India at the time, as they allowed people from all walks of life to be accepted (Namgyal Monastery Institute). During his first mass sermon, he described his messages and beliefs...... middle of paper ....... Buddha was able to define and practice a set of beliefs that could truly be applied to the functioning of society, focusing on your inner self and following the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path can only help improve your state of mind and your religious being. As you can see, Buddhism has had a great and everlasting effect on religion in history, from the very beginning with Siddhartha Gautama meditating under a tree, to present day the religion is practiced in countries around the world taken together, it will always be one of the most influential and vital religions in the world.BibliographyMcKay, John P., et al. A History of World Societies. 9th ed. Flight. I: Circa 1600. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012.http://www.namgyal.org/a http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialSciences/ppecorino/PHIL_of_RELIGION_TEXT/CHAPTER_2_RELIGIONS/Buddhism.htm bout/buddhism.cfm