Buddhism is one of the world's great religions. Behind Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, it is the fourth most populous religion in the world. And the question might be raised: Is Buddhism a religion at all? What is Buddhism, who was the Buddha, and why is he as relevant today as he was 2,500 years ago? Buddhism promises a path to happiness through the eradication of suffering. Can it do this? This chapter will address these questions.

