Main branches of Buddhism
Back to History 8 India Manual questions
The Main Branches of Buddhism
- Theravada Buddhism
Theravada is sometimes called orthodox Buddhism. Theravada believe that they follow Buddha’s teachings more closely than other Buddhist groups do. [1] However, they thing that sets them apart from other types of Buddhism is the fact that they 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, and Burma, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
- Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhists believed that Buddha was that of a god, and that 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 chose to stay in the world to help others. This type of Buddhism originated in China. [3]
- Pure Land Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhists have a couple similar beliefs to those of the Mahayana Buddhists. They 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.
- Vajrayana Buddhists
Vajrayana mainly focused on meditation, using chants such as mantras and mandalas. Vajrayana Buddhism was 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 type 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 used riddles named koans. The purpose of the meditating was 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
