The Journey of Buddhism
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 the religion spread to the continent of Asia and around the globe. There are three main sects of Buddhism today along with several lesser-known denominations of the religion.
Despite their differences, these variations of the Buddhist religion still share core 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 the sangha (followers) to teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation 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.
Theravada Buddhism began in India and migrated to southeast Asia into Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and other Asian countries. As it was adopted by the indigenous peoples, the Theravada was altered to incorporate the religious viewpoints of the various regions. It is still practiced in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, broadens the Buddhist scriptures to include other religious texts and philosophies that encourage altruism and the need to live a life of universal compassion. This is central to their belief in an “Awakened mind.” Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology. Mahayana Buddhism itself 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.
Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations. Also known as “tantric Buddhism,” Vajrayana incorporates text and scriptures from both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras. A major difference of Vajrayana Buddhism is that it teaches that Buddhahood can be achieved in a single life time without need for reincarnation.
The method in which one achieves enlightenment is the most significant difference between the various types of Buddhism. each value meditation and spiritual journey guided by the eightfold Path and the four Noble truths, but the attainment of Buddhahood differs in each version of the Buddhist faith.
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