Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded in Northern India by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in the 5thto 4th century BCE. The core teachings of Buddhism centre around the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation. The Eightfold Path is a guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, leading to Nirvana, the end of suffering. Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and compassion for all beings. The global Buddhist population is estimated to be around 500 million people. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 Buddhists live in Italy, with several centres and temples. Buddhism is mainly present in Asia, especially in China, Thailand, and Japan.