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 it spread through Asia and eventually the globe.  There are three main sects of Buddhism today along with several lesser-known denominations 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.

The Theravada or “doctrine of the Elders” was established around 300 BC..  Based on the teachings of Buddha, it encouraged the sangha (followers) to teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the goal of achieving Buddhahood.  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 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. this form of Buddhism is still popular in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.

Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana broadens the Buddhist scriptures to include other religious philosophies and texts that champion of belief in universal compassion and altruism.  This is central to their belief in an “Awakened mind.”  Practiced primarily in China, Korea and Japan, Mahayana Buddhism incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology.  This form of Buddhism 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.

Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations.  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 Path to Enlightenment and Buddhahood is the most significant difference between the various Buddhist disciplines.  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.

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