Sects of Buddhism

Buddhism, a diverse and ancient spiritual tradition, has given rise to several sects or schools throughout its long history. These sects often differ in their interpretations of Buddhist teachings and practices. Some major Buddhist sects include:

Theravada Buddhism: This “Way of the Elders” is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. It adheres closely to the Pali canon and emphasizes personal meditation and the path to individual enlightenment (Arhatship).

Mahayana Buddhism: This “Great Vehicle” is widespread in East Asia and includes various sub-sects such as Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. Mahayana emphasizes compassion, the bodhisattva ideal, and belief in multiple Buddhas and celestial beings.

Zen Buddhism: Known for its minimalist approach focused on meditation, Zen is popular in Japan. It aims to achieve enlightenment through direct experience and meditation.

Pure Land Buddhism: Also prominent in East Asia, this sect emphasizes devotion to Amitabha Buddha and the desire for rebirth in his pure land, where enlightenment is assured.

Tibetan Buddhism: Influenced by both Mahayana and indigenous Tibetan beliefs, complex rituals, tantra, and a strong monastic tradition characterize this sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

These sects illustrate the adaptability of Buddhism and its diverse manifestations across different cultures and regions.

Sects of Buddhism: Historical Facts

Historical Facts	Sects of Buddhism
Largest Buddhist sect	Mahayana Buddhism
Southern Buddhism	Hinayana Buddhism
Oldest sect	Theravada Buddhism
Subset of Mahayana	Vajrayana Buddhism
Zen Buddhism	China

Introduction

The numerous institutional and ideological divisions of Buddhism that have existed from ancient times to the present are called Buddhist sects or schools.

The classification and nature of the various doctrinal, philosophical, or cultural aspects of Buddhist sects or schools are nebulous and have been interpreted in various ways, given the sheer number (perhaps thousands) of sects, subsects, movements, and other entities that have formed or currently form Buddhist traditions.

Sects or schools of Buddhism

There may have been a unified picture of what the Buddha originally taught, but conflicts over what constituted “true teaching” led to fragmentation and the emergence of different schools –

• (i) Mahayana Buddhism
• (ii) Hinayana Buddhism
• (iii) Theravada Buddhism
• (iv) Vajrayana Buddhism
• (v) Zen Buddhism.

(i) Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is the world’s largest Buddhist sect, and its doctrines and practices are today’s “Buddhism” for most non-followers. Mahayana Buddhism flourished around 500 BC. According to history, three Buddhist councils were formed to resolve doctrinal differences among Buddhist leaders. The fourth, which took place in Kashmir, is the only one with historical evidence. Buddhism has since been divided into two schools: Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism.

A Mahayana Buddhist may aim to become a bodhisattva, which is achieved through the six perfections. The most popular bodhisattvas depicted in sculpture and painting are Avalokiteshvara (the bodhisattva of mercy and compassion), Maitreya (the future Buddha), and Manjushri (the bodhisattva of knowledge). The Mahayana school of Buddhism believed in the divinity of the Buddha.

The worship of Buddhist idols and bodhisattvas who embodied Buddha nature was encouraged by the sect.

The Mahayana teaches that the law of karuna, or compassion, is more important than the law of karma. Mahayana espouses the values ​​of the bodhisattva/savior who is concerned with the salvation of others.

India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia, among others, practice Mahayana Buddhism.

(ii) Hinayana Buddhism

Hinayana Buddhism grew in popularity around 250 BC. A smaller vehicle is often referred to as an abandoned vehicle or a defective vehicle. He adheres to the original teachings of the Buddha, also known as the teachings of the elders. Mahayana is another of the two main branches of Buddhism. Teaching is aimed at attaining the artistic state. Most of the concepts are based on sutras said to have been presented by Buddha himself.

Hinayana teachings examine the human condition, the basis of existence, and the makeup of the personality, as well as techniques for overcoming suffering. The ultimate goal is to reach nirvana and be freed from the suffering-filled cycle of reincarnation.

The Hinayana asserts that salvation is gained through good works and that each person is responsible for his own salvation.

Hinayana is also known as Southern Buddhism because it is primarily practiced in South Asian countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and Laos). Followers of the Hinayana generally refer to their faith as the Theravada (Teachings of the Elders).

(iii) Theravada Buddhism

The most common name for the oldest sect or school of Buddhism is Theravada. For more than a millennium, the Theravadins, the devout school, preserved their interpretation of the teachings of Gautama Buddha, or Buddha Dhamma, in the Pali canon.

Theravada Buddhism, often known as the “Teachings of the Elders”, is considered the oldest form of Buddhism. Theravada adheres to the idea of ​​Vibhajjavada, which means “analytic instruction”.

Arhats are Buddhists who practice Theravada Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes self-liberation through self-effort. Meditation and concentration are critical steps on the path to enlightenment.

The best way is to devote yourself completely to the monastic life. Monastic communities house the vast majority of Theravada monks. Some people have been joining since they were seven years old, but anyone can join at any age. A novice is referred to as a camera, and a mature monk is referred to as a bhikkhu. The Sangha is a monastic community as a whole. Theravada Buddhism is practiced throughout Southeast Asia, including Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

(iv) Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism is a subset of Buddhism that developed from the Mahayana sect or school. It is based on a complex intellectual and ritual structure that is supposed to lead to enlightenment. Vajrayana is another name for Tibetan Buddhism. Mantras, dharani, mudras, mandalas, and iconography of deities and Buddhas are included. Vajrayana Buddhism first appeared in India in the sixth or seventh century AD.

Tantric concepts began to permeate the teachings of Buddhist institutions in northern India, eventually leading to the creation of a new school. It moved from India through the Himalayas before reaching Tibet in 747 AD at the hands of an Indian monk named Padmasambhava.

Vajrayana Buddhism is rich in symbolism and ceremonies, most of which focus on the quest for enlightenment. According to Vajrayana Buddhism, it can speed the path to enlightenment by reducing the need for countless incarnations before insight is attained.

This religion grew in popularity and eventually became the dominant type of Buddhism in Tibet. It spread to other parts of China, Mongolia, and Japan.

(v) Zen Buddhism

Zen is a Mahayana Buddhist sect or school that originated in China during the Tang Dynasty as the Chan School and has since spread into various sub-schools and branches. Zen is derived from the Japanese pronunciation. Zen Buddhism is a mixture of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. It started in China, spread to Korea and Japan, and gained popularity in the Western world in the mid-twentieth century.

Zen techniques are compatible with all faiths and are commonly used by, for example, Christians seeking a mystical understanding of their faith.

The Indian monk Bodhidharma introduced Zen Buddhism to China in the sixth century AD. Zen aims to improve the individual. Sitting meditation, also known as “za-zen”, is used as a core practice. Meditation is the primary distinguishing feature of this Buddhist practice. A central tenet of Zen Buddhism is that all people are Buddhas, and all they need to do is realize this for themselves.

Conclusion

It is impossible to say which of these sects or schools, if any, is closest to the Buddha’s original vision. Siddhartha Gautama himself did not write anything but instead lived his thoughts and tried to help others in their hardships, just like many great spiritual people in history, whose followers eventually created religions in their honor. However, the Buddha developed a belief system that today has over 500 million members and has, for centuries, provided people with a path to peace of mind and inspiration to serve others.

(FAQ) Questions and Answers about Sects of Buddhism