The Many Branches of the Buddhist Faith
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 attain a state of complete enlightenment known as Nirvana. 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 are core to their philosophies and teachings. Those who practice Buddhism follow the principles of the Eightfold Path and believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that one could achieve.
The Theravada or "doctrine of the Elders" was established around 300 BC.. This religion centered around the teachings of Buddha and encouraged it's followers to use meditation as a means to teach the mind and eliminate suffering with the goal of achieving Buddhahood. Theravada Buddhism established the canon of Buddhist scriptures and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
This discipline of Buddhism originated in India and moved through 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 beliefs of the various regions. this form of Buddhism is still popular in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana 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 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.
Although deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or Vajrayana is another distinct discipline of the Buddhist faith.. 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 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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