5. Buddhism (376 million adherents)
According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha was born in Lumbini (now a part of Nepal) in 563 BCE. His name was Siddhartha Gautama. He was a prince living a luxurious life.
After he fled from his palace, he discovered the misery of others. It was his awakening moment. He meditated intensely for 40 days. He battled worldly temptations to reach nirvana.
Since then, he began to teach others about his experience. Many follow his footsteps. He died at the age of 80 in Kushinagar (now a part of India).
The great values of Buddhism are practiced throughout the world even by the non-adherents. They see it as a great way of life to reach inner peace.
