Main branches of Buddhism
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The Main Branches of Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the most widely spread religions in Asia. It is divided into five main branches: Theravada, Mahayana, Pure Land, Vajrayana, and Zen Buddhism.
- Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is sometimes called the orthodox version of Buddhism. Theravada Buddhists believe that they follow Buddha’s teachings more closely than other Buddhist groups do. [1] However, what sets Theravada Buddhism apart from other types of Buddhism is the fact that Theravada Buddhists do not believe that Buddha has the ability to help people that are alive. [2] Theravada Buddhism originated in the area of South Asia, in the countries of Thailand, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
- Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhists believe that Buddha is a god who could respond to any living person’s pleas. Mahayana Buddhists pray to Buddha as a part of their spiritual life. Mahayana Buddhists also believe in bodhisattvas, people who have received enlightenment, or narvana, but choose to stay in the world to help others. This branch of Buddhism originated in China. [3]
- Pure Land Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhists believe in an important bodhisattva, Amida Buddha. They believe that when they shout Amida Buddha’s name when they die, they will go to a pure land where it will be easier for them to reach enlightenment. They also believe that the faithful can have access to be free from the wheel of life.
- Vajrayana Buddhism
Vajrayana Buddhism emphasises on meditation, using chants such as mantras and mandalas. Vajrayana Buddhism became both a political power and a religious influence. The leader of this group is called the Dalai Lama, who is believed to be the fourteenth reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, an important bodhisattva. This branch of Buddhism flourished in Tibet. [4]
- Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism originated in China and spread to parts of Japan. Zen Buddhists spend as much time as possible meditating, They also use riddles named koans. The purpose of the meditating is for a person to see beyond preconceived ideas, such as increasing awareness and purifying the mind in order to reach a state of illumination. [5]
Map showing the distribution of a few main types of Buddhism throughout Asia
- ↑ CF Manual Pg. 161
- ↑ http://www.accesstoinsight.org/theravada.html
- ↑ http://education.asianart.org/explore-resources/background-information/what-are-main-branches-buddhism
- ↑ http://www.important.ca/three_branches_of_buddhism.html
- ↑ http://buddhism.about.com/od/chanandzenbuddhism/a/zen101.htm
- ↑ http://www.hpnilsson.se/laos2007/pages/introduction.htm
By Jeffrey Wang
