Southeast Asia Religion Essay Jared Lawlor religionfacts.com Buddhism was founded over 2,500 years ago by an Indian prince by the name of Siddharta Gautama. The story is that on a journey, Gautama saw much suffering throughout the world. He set out to seek enlightenment and peace. He decided to sit under a tree and not move until he achieved enlightenment. After a few days, he arose as what is known as the Buddha - meaning "enlightened one."