Who founded Buddhism and what does it emphasize?

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who is commonly known as the Buddha, meaning "the Enlightened One." The essence of Buddhism is encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

The Four Noble Truths articulate the nature of suffering, its origin, the possibility of overcoming it, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering. They highlight the understanding that life entails suffering, often stemming from desire and attachment. The Eightfold Path provides a practical guideline for ethical and mental development, promoting the cultivation of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, leading ultimately to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

This focus on personal spiritual development and the cessation of suffering distinguishes Buddhism from the other belief systems mentioned in the other options. For instance, Confucius emphasized ethics and social harmony rather than spiritual awakening, while Mohammed's teachings center on the worship of one God in Islam, and Zoroaster's tradition addresses the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Each of these options represents significant philosophical and religious systems, but only Siddhartha Gautama's life and teachings are directly related to the establishment of Buddhism as a distinct path for enlightenment.