Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.” Those who practice Buddhism engage in a spiritual journey to attain a state of complete enlightenment known as Nirvana. Like all religions, Buddhism has evolved over time, fractured and adapted as the religion spread to the continent of Asia and around the globe. There are three main sects of Buddhism today along with several smaller variants of the religion.
Despite their differences, these variations of the Buddhist religion still share core principles. They all accept Buddha as their spiritual teacher. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are core principles and philosophies of the faith. All believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that can be achieved.
Around 300 BC, the Theravada, or “Traditions of the Elders” was first established. This religion centered around the teachings of Buddha and encouraged the sangha (followers) to use meditation as a means to teach the mind and eliminate suffering with the goal of achieving Buddhahood. Theravada Buddhism gave life to the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist teachings and the laws governing the practices of Buddhist monks referred to as the Ten Precepts.
This discipline of Buddhism began in India and moved through southeast Asia into Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and other Asian countries. As this form of Buddhism was embraced by the indigenous people, the Theravada was altered to incorporate the religious beliefs of the various geographic regions. It is still practiced in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious texts and philosophies that champion of belief in universal compassion and altruism. These beliefs are central to their concept of an “Awakened mind.” Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology. This form of Buddhism has splintered into two variants. {Zen Buddhism, which focuses more on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance and Pure Land Buddhism which teaches that dedication to the Amitabha Buddha is required to reach Nirvana.
Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations. referred to as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana incorporates text and scriptures from both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras. Vajrayana teaches that it is possible to achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime without the journey of reincarnation.
The method in which one achieves enlightenment is the most significant difference between the various types of Buddhism. each value meditation and spiritual journey guided by the eightfold Path and the four Noble truths, but the attainment of Buddhahood differs in each version of the Buddhist faith.}
