A Buddha statue is one of the mainstays of any temple. Depending on who you ask, Buddhism is a philosophy and way of life, or a de-facto religion. Once an Indian prince Siddharta Gautama, could not find comfort in his life after learning of the poverty and old age that existed outside of his sheltered existence in his palace. Leaving one day to become an ascetic, he wandered around India and eventually found peace through the philosophy of removing all wants and desires.