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 quest to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment. Like all religions, Buddhism has evolved over time, fractured and adapted as the religion spread to the continent of Asia and around the globe. Today, there are three major sects of Buddhism and several smaller variants of the religion.
These different Buddhist religions are all united under some core Buddhist 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. Based on the teachings of Buddha, it encouraged it’s followers to use meditation as a means to teach the mind and eliminate suffering with the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana. Theravada Buddhism gave life to the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist scriptures and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
This discipline of Buddhism began in India and migrated to 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 adapted to include the religious viewpoints of the various regions. It is still practiced in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.
Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana 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 cosmology and mysticism. Mahayana Buddhism itself 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. Also known 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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