Over time many significant events have shaped history, from natural disasters, to wars and endless political feuds, all have played a significant role in history. But there is one that has had the most influential effect of all: religion. Over time, numerous different religions and practices have formed, from Christianity to Judaism, each of which has had 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 when it entered a new area and interacted with new people. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama also known as "Buddha" was born around 2565 years ago in what is now part of Nepal. Contemporary of Mahavira and coming from the same warrior social class, son of a chief of one of the Himalayan tribes (McKay, 2012). At the age of twenty-nine, dissatisfied with his comfortable life, 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 which is defined as the perfect vision of the process of the universe, after During this process he began to preach his beliefs to large groups of people and attract a diverse audience (McKay , 2012). His teachings of concise human analysis and the human condition were attractive to the crowds as it represented a change from the rigid social structure of North India at the time, it allowed people from all walks of life to be accepted (Namgyal Monastery Institute). During his first mass sermon he outlined his messages and beliefs... in the middle of the paper.......Buddha was able to define and put into 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 prominent and everlasting effect on religion in history, right from the beginning with Siddhartha Gautama meditating under a tree, to the present of the religion practiced in countries around the world, it will always be one of the most influential religions and vital elements of the world. Bibliography McKay, John P., et al. A history of world societies. 9th ed. vol. I: To 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