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Pray for a breakthrough in Tibetan hearts to worship and praise their Creator.

About Buddhism

Sects

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• About Buddhism
  • Christianity and Buddhism
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  • Sects

There are numerous branches and types of Buddhism. Here are a few of the main schools.

Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is the purist form of Buddhism, connected most closely to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Theravada means “The teaching of the elders”. It is also called Hinayana Buddhism or “The Lesser Vehicle.” In Theravada Buddhism, enlightenment is available only to the few committed individuals who, through merit in past lives and effort in their current life, are able to become monks and live lives devoted to the Buddha and his teachings.

Mahayana Buddhism
Over time, Buddhist leaders split over the philosophy of who could attain enlightenment. In Mahayana Buddhism, or “The Greater Vehicle,” all can attain enlightenment through their own merit and help from bodhisattvas or spirit guides. Mahayana Buddhism has further evolved into various branches based on philosophies of methods for gaining enlightenment. In some of these branches, it is believed that one can even attain enlightenment in one lifetime rather than in thousands of cycles of reincarnation. Some of the better known branches of Mahayana Buddhism are Zen and Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism incorporates the teachings of lamas (spiritual guides) and occult practices. Also known as Vajrayana (Thunderbolt/Diamond vehicle) which refers to purity of spiritual power being used (as pure and sharp as a diamond or thunderbolt) and the ability of occult techniques used to cut through illusions quickly so as to gain enlightenment quickly.

Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism is the favored form of Buddhism for the intellectual. The emphasis is on meditation. Through meditation, a practitioner relaxes, releases attachments to this world, and realizes the emptiness of all things and all desire. Contrasting with the complexity, bright colors and fierce deities pictured in a Tibetan temple, a Zen temple is simple, emphasizing open space and muted colors of white and shades of gray.

Folk Buddhism
Folk Buddhism mixes Buddhist thought with animist practice.