Variations in the Buddhist Faith

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha whose teachings are referred to as "the Dharma." Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual journey to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment. 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.These different Buddhist religions are all united under some core Buddhist 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.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 teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana.

Theravada Buddhism established the canon of Buddhist teachings and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Theravada 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 adapted to include the religious beliefs of the various geographic regions. It is still practiced in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana 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.'

Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology. This form of Buddhism 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.

Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations. referred to as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana melds the scriptures and text of 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.