Although the original message of Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni) Buddha has grown over the years, with different teachings, practices, and emphasis on selected themes from his teachings, there are many common elements to all Buddhist traditions and schools.

The basic tenets of Buddhism are based on the Four Noble Truths, which were formulated by Shakyamuni Buddha during his first sermon to the five Ascetics in Gazelle Park, Sarnath (one of the four holiest sites in Buddhism), and are accepted by all Buddhist traditions. The sermon is called "Sermons on Getting the Dharma Wheel in Motion.