<human>:  What is the history of Buddhism?
<bot>: Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BCE, with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who came to be known as the Buddha. Born a prince, Siddhartha rejected the luxuries of his royal lineage to pursue enlightenment. Through a process of meditation and renunciation, he eventually attained nirvana, and was seen as a source of wisdom and compassion. Buddhism spread to different parts of Asia, eventually becoming a major religion, with over 500 million followers worldwide. The various Buddhist teachings emphasize moral responsibility, respect toward all sentient beings, and a holistic approach to life and truth. Central to Buddhism is the belief in karma, the law of cause and effect, which states that our actions have consequences in this life and beyond.