what is buddhism

Buddhism, also known as Buddha Dharma, and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in the 5th century BCE and gradually spread throughout much of Asia via the Silk Road. Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over 520 million followers who comprise seven percent of the global population. The central teachings of Buddhism emphasize the aim of attaining liberation from suffering, the source of which is said to be attachment or clinging. The Buddha endorsed the Middle Way, a path of development that avoids both extreme asceticism and hedonism. The religion is based on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which describe the nature of human suffering and a way to liberate oneself from it. Buddhists believe that the human life is one of suffering, and that meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior are the ways to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana