"Buddhism (/ˈbʊdɪzəm/, US: /ˈbuːd-/) is the world´s fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists.[web 1]Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies. Buddhism originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognised by scholars: Theravada (Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great Vehicle")." - (en.wikipedia.org 30.09.2019)
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