What Are the Two Major Branches of Buddhism?
Buddhism is a widespread world religion with a lengthy history. Though there are many divisions within the Buddhist religion, there are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana. Though these branches both adhere to the teachings of Buddha and follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, they differ in some of their teachings and areas of focus.
Other People Are Reading
-
A Brief History of Buddhism
-
Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism, was born in 580 B.C. in Nepal. Siddahartha left home at the age of 29 in search of enlightenment. Once he attained enlightenment, he began to teach others and developed Buddhism. Buddhism spread to many countries in the east and included many elements from different cultures. Buddhism split into various movements and divisions, from which the two major branches, Mahayana and Theravada, developed.
Theravada Buddhism
-
Theravada, which means "Traditions of the Elders," is the older branch of Buddhism and was established in around 300 B.C. The Pali Canon, or Triptitaka, are the main holy books for this branch of Buddhism. Theravada focuses on individual enlightenment and experience as well as monastic life. Followers of Theravada Buddhism established it in Southeast Asia in countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma and Vietnam.
-
Mahayana Buddhism
-
Mahayana Buddhism, based on new holy books called Sutras, began around 100 B.C. Mahayana means "The Great Vehicle" and focuses on collective freedom from suffering and teaching the ways to enlightenment. Mahayana provided ways for monks and others to achieve enlightenment. Mahayana became an important force in northern parts of Asia including China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia and Himalayan countries, such as Tibet.
Buddhism Today
-
Today, Buddhism has spread to western countries like the United States and has split into smaller divisions within the two main branches. Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, both considered within the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, are the two types of Buddhism most people in western countries practice. Vajrayana Buddhism, within the Mahayana branch, is considered a form of Tibetan Buddhism, though it is sometimes classified as a third branch of Buddhism.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
