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 . Buddhism is the world 's fourth-largest religion , with over 500 million followers or 7 % of the global population , known as Buddhists . 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 . In Theravada the ultimate goal is the cessation of the kleshas and the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana , achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path ( also known as the Middle Way ) , thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth .
Hypothesis: Buddhism is no longer practiced.
Label: CONTRADICTION