Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.” Those who practice Buddhism engage in 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. Today, there are three major sects of Buddhism and several lesser-known denominations of the religion.
These different Buddhist religions are all united under some core Buddhist principles. They all accept Buddha as their spiritual teacher. 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.. 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 gave life to the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist teachings and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
Theravada 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 altered to incorporate 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, broadens the Buddhist scriptures to include 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. 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.. 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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April 30th, 2010
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