How the Buddhist Religion Evolved
Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.” Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual journey to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment. Like all religions, Buddhism has evolved over time, 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 and the Eightfold Path are core principles and philosophies of the faith. All believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that can be achieved.
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 use meditation as a means to teach the mind and eliminate suffering with the goal of achieving Buddhahood. Theravada Buddhism established the canon of Buddhist scriptures and the laws governing the practices of Buddhist monks referred to as the Ten Precepts.
This discipline of Buddhism originated 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 geographic regions. It is still practiced in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious philosophies and texts that encourage altruism and the need to live a life of universal compassion. These beliefs are central to their concept of an “Awakened mind.” Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology. Mahayana Buddhism itself has divided into two main sects. 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.
Although deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or Vajrayana is another distinct discipline of the Buddhist faith.. Also known as “tantric Buddhism,” Vajrayana incorporates text and scriptures from both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras. Vajrayana teaches that it is possible to achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime without the journey of reincarnation.
the Path to Enlightenment and Buddhahood is the most significant difference between the various Buddhist disciplines. While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably.
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