The Changing Face of Buddhism
22nd April 2010 by Depressed No CommentsBuddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.” Those who practice Buddhism engage in a spiritual journey to attain a state of complete enlightenment known as Nirvana. Over time the Buddhist religion has evolved, fractured and adapted as it spread through Asia and eventually the globe. There are three main sects of Buddhism today along with several smaller variants 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 are core to their philosophies and teachings. Those who practice Buddhism follow the principles of the Eightfold Path and believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that one could achieve.
Around 300 BC, the Theravada, or “Traditions of the Elders” was first established. Based on the teachings of Buddha, it encouraged the sangha (followers) to teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the goal of achieving Buddhahood. Theravada Buddhism gave life to the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist teachings and the laws governing the practices of Buddhist monks referred to as the Ten Precepts.
This discipline of Buddhism began in India and migrated to southeast Asia into Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. As this form of Buddhism was embraced by the indigenous people, the Theravada was altered to incorporate the religious beliefs of the various regions. this form of Buddhism is still popular in Laos, Sri Lanka and Cambodia today.
Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, broadens the Buddhist scriptures to include other religious texts and philosophies that encourage altruism and the need to live a life of universal compassion. These beliefs are central to their concept of an “Awakened mind.” Practiced primarily in China, Korea and Japan, Mahayana Buddhism incorporates elements of cosmology and mysticism. This form of Buddhism has splintered into two variants. 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.. referred to as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana incorporates text and scriptures from both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras. A major difference of Vajrayana Buddhism is that it teaches that Buddhahood can be achieved in a single life time without need for reincarnation.
The method in which one achieves enlightenment is the most significant difference between the various types of Buddhism. each value meditation and spiritual journey guided by the eightfold Path and the four Noble truths, but the attainment of Buddhahood differs in each version of the Buddhist faith.
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