Approximately 2,500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, or "enlightened one" after having spent years in reflection on the nature of human existence. His teachings about the path to attaining wisdom and compassion spread throughout East and Southeast Asia. Buddhists across the continent created devotional sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects, used as aids for various liturgies and meditation practices, imbued with their local culture. From wise disciples to revered deities, the paintings in this calendar depict the protective and enlightening figures of Buddhism.