Buddhism (pronunciation: /bdzm/ or /budzm/)[1][2] is an Indian religion[3][4] and dharma that

encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings
attributed to the Buddha. Buddhism originated in Ancient India sometime between the 6th and
4th centuries BCE, from where it spread through much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India
during the middle ages. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by
scholars: Theravada (Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great
Vehicle"). Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over 500 million followers or 7%
of the global population, known as Buddhists.[web 1][5]

Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to liberation, the importance and canonicity
of various teachings and scriptures, and especially their respective practices.[6][7] Practices of
Buddhism include taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, study of scriptures,
observance of moral precepts, renunciation of craving and attachment, the practice of meditation
(including calm and insight), the cultivation of wisdom, loving-kindness and compassion, the
Mahayana practice of bodhicitta and the Vajrayana practices of generation stage and completion
stage.