The different forms of Buddhism

Categories: Do You Know?

Most people of other faiths are not aware that there are different types of Buddhism. Here, we enlighten them.

i) Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is the oldest form of Buddhism that originated thousands of years ago in India. It is based on the original Suttas or Sanskrit documents which have recordings of Buddha’s teachings, once writing became available.

Theravada Buddhism is practised in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. It sticks firmly to the teachings of the Vinaya Pitaka.

Theravada Buddhists believe in Nibbana, which is enlightenment and the cessation of all sufferings – the highest spiritual goal one can attain.

ii) Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism is a new strand that branched out from Theravada Buddhism after the religion moved out of India into new countries where it had to compete with other religions.

Mahayana speaks of Buddha land (heaven) where faithful Buddhists go to after death. It is practised in countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Mahayana Buddhism has since branched out into different variants and they each now stand on its own.

iii) Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment mainly through meditation and mental development.

Zen came to Japan in the 13th century – five centuries after the orthodox forms of Buddhism evolved. It emphasises the uselessness of words and the insistence of actions without thought. It teaches that enlightenment is a spontaneous event, totally independent of concepts, techniques or rituals.

iv) Pure Land Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhism worships the Amitabha (the Buddha of infinite light and lord of the pure land) hoping that by praying and reciting his name, they will go to the pure land when they die and move closer to Nibbana.

v) Vajarayanna tradition
One of the followers of this tradition is the Dalai Lama, who was the chief monk in Tibet during his time. He later settled down in India, and until today, certain parts of the country are still practicing the ritual and rights of this tradition.

vi) Nichiren Buddhism
Nichiren is a 13th century Japanese Buddhist reformer whose teachings are based on the Mahayana Sutra (scripture), known as the Lotus Sutra which, according to him, contains the essence of all the Buddhist teachings and the path of attaining enlightenment.

The central practice of Nichiren Buddhism is reciting the mantra namo myoho rengye kyo.

[Lifted from The Star Online]