The Three Branches of Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism focuses primarily on the earliest texts, and as a result, tends to be synonymous with the teachings of the Buddha.

Vajrayana Buddhism is very different from other forms of Buddhism. While other forms of Buddhism try to halt their selfish energies that cause suffering, Vajrayana Buddhism harnesses this energy and turns it against itself.

The Three Branches of Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism

The Way of the Elders

Theravada Buddhism regards the Buddha, as he was able to achieve nirvana, a state in which, through forfeiting all selfish desire, and individual is enlightened and able to escape the cycle of rebirth.

Theravada Buddhism thus focuses on gathering wisdom through the study of the Four Noble Truths, and the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path, especially meditation. By doing so, a Theravada Buddhist may achieve a state of enlightenment.

The Ideal Buddhist

Theravada Buddhism is a division of Buddhism commonly practiced within the countries of Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The ideal Buddhist, one who has achieved nirvana, is referred to by the Theravada as an "arhat." As arhats have achieved enlightenment, they are regarded as the ideal role models in Theravada Buddhism.

Noble Eightfold Path

The Four Noble Truths

Samsara - the cycle of rebirth

Dukkha - suffering, or disjointedness

1. Right views

2. Right intentions

3. Right speech

4. Right conduct

5. Right livelihood

6. Right effort

7. Right mindfulness

8. Right meditation

A map showing areas where Theravada Buddhism is prevalent

1. To live is to suffer.

2. Suffering is caused by desire.

3. Suffering can be brought to cessation.

4. The solution to suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Most prevalent in Theravada Buddhism

However, though the teachings of the Buddha are crucial. the figure of the Buddha is not the highest priority.

Mahayana Buddhism

The Great Vehicle

The Ideal Buddhist

Whereas Theravada Buddhism focuses on the teachings of the Buddha, Mahayana Buddhism concentrates on the Buddha as a role model.

Mahayana Buddhism not only focuses on the Buddha, but reveres the Buddhas in the past, as well as bodhisattvas.

Mahayana Buddhism is the largest division of Buddhism, and is practiced in areas of China, Japan, and Korea.

A depiction of the Buddha

Bodhisattvas are individuals who, through selfless compassion, are capable of achieving nirvana. However, due to their compassion for others, bodhisattvas choose not to enter nirvana and instead help other achieve it.

A map indicating areas where Mahayana Buddhism is prevalent

A bronze statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara

By focusing on the Buddha, this division of Buddhism expresses their beliefs through devotion and prayer, as opposed to meditation and teachings. As a result, Mahayana Buddhists aspire to attain enlightenment through the infinite grace of the compassionate Buddha.

For the Mahayana, the bodhisattva is the ideal Buddhist.

This division of Buddhism is referred to as Mahayana, "the Great Vehicle", as a means of emphasizing superiority of Theravada Buddhism, which they refer to as Hinayana, meaning "the Lesser Vehicle." This division of Buddhism also has its name due to the fact that while Theravada emphasizes the meditation of an individual, Mahayana accommodates a population.

An early statue of the Buddha

Vajrayana Buddhism

The Diamond Way

The Ideal Buddhist

Vajrayana is a division of Buddhism that is predominant within the Himalayan nations of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia.

Vajrayana Buddhism also focuses on the "lamas" a group of chiefs and high priests. The lamas are headed by the Dalai Lama.

The 14th Dalai Lama

Potala Palace, the former residency of the 14th Dalai Lama

By harnessing these sensual energies, Vajrayana Buddhism further progresses towards the state of nirvana. This is accomplished through the performance of certain practices. Some forms of these practice are mandalas, mantras, and mudras.

The Dalai Lama is significant in Vajrayana Buddhism, as it is believed that he is an incarnation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. When the current Dalai Lama dies, it is a priority to determine the identity of his successor.

A sand mandala, a patterned icon constructed out of a combination of colored sand.

A depiction of Avalokiteśvara

Vajrayana is also referred to as "the Diamond Vehicle" due to their methods of harnessing their energies to resemble the strength and clarity of a diamond.

Mandalas - visual icons

Mantras - chants

Mudras - choreographed hand movements