Buddhism is a major world religion which came about as the result of a series of teachings by the historical figure of Siddhartha Gautama. Literally, Buddha translates as "enlightened one". Siddhartha was said to have attained enlightenment during meditation, and began teaching others immediately afterward. At present, Buddhism encompasses a wide variety of beliefs and practices which either directly or indirectly stem from the original documented teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.