Buddhism began in India about 2,500 years ago. An Indian prince, Siddhartha Gautama, saw that there was suffering in the world, found answers by meditation and became known as the Buddha or 'enlightened one'.

Buddhists are concerned for, and respect, all living things. Nirvana, which is a feeling of joy and freedom, is the aim of Buddhists. They believe it is also the end to the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. They believe death is not the end of life but is only another step in the way.

Buddhists have many scriptures. The most important are the Tripitaka. They contain the teachings of the Buddha and his followers. Tripitaka means 'Three Baskets', probably because the scriptures were first written on palm leaves and stored in baskets. The first basket, or part, contains rules for monks. The second has the Buddhas's teachings and stories about his life. The third has more teachings. Among the Tripitaka are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Most Buddhist Festivals are celebrated at the time of a full or new moon. Festivals are times to be kind to people, to feed the poor and to gain merit. The Buddhist New Year, in March or April, is a time for cleaning and washing away bad deeds. Wesak or Vesakha, in May or June, celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.