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 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.
The Theravada or “doctrine of the Elders” was established around 300 BC.. 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 ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana. Theravada Buddhism established the canon of Buddhist teachings and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
This discipline of Buddhism originated in India and migrated to southeast Asia into Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and other Asian countries. As it was adopted by the indigenous peoples, the Theravada was adapted to include the religious viewpoints of the various regions. It is still practiced in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious philosophies and texts 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 cosmology and mysticism. This form of Buddhism has splintered into two variants. The version of Buddhism that puts emphasis on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance is called Zen Buddhism. The other form which emphasizes the need for dedication to the Amitabha Buddha in order to reach Nirvana is called Pure Land Buddhism.
Although deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or Vajrayana is another distinct discipline of the Buddhist faith.. referred to as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana melds the scriptures and text of 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. 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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