Premise: Buddhism ( [ pronˈbʊdɪzəm ] or [ ˈbuːdɪzəm ] ) is an Indian religion and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions , beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha . 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 . 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 . Rather than Nirvana , Mahayana instead aspires to Buddhahood via the bodhisattva path , a state wherein one remains in the cycle of rebirth to help other beings reach awakening . Mahayana ( Sanskrit for `` Great Vehicle '' ) is one of two ( or three , under some classifications ) main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice .
Hypothesis: Buddhism is no longer practiced.
Label: CONTRADICTION