Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.” Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual journey to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment. Over time the Buddhist religion has evolved, fractured and adapted as it spread through Asia and eventually 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. In each, the Buddha is considered the spiritual leader. 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 teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana. Theravada Buddhism established the 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 migrated to southeast Asia into Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. As this form of Buddhism was embraced by the indigenous people, the Theravada was adapted to include the religious viewpoints of the various regions. this form of Buddhism is still popular in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.
Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious texts and philosophies that encourage altruism and the need to live a life of universal compassion. These beliefs are central to their concept of an “Awakened mind.” Practiced primarily in China, Korea and Japan, Mahayana Buddhism incorporates elements of cosmology and mysticism. Mahayana Buddhism itself has divided into two main sects. 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.
Although deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or Vajrayana is another distinct discipline of the Buddhist faith.. 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 Path to Enlightenment and Buddhahood is the most significant difference between the various Buddhist disciplines. While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably.
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