Buddhism isn’t just a monolithic tradition as one might think. Rather, it is composed of diverse beliefs, practices, and schools of thought. Its beautiful complexity can be seen in its three primary schools: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
For the uninitiated, understanding these different Buddhist schools can be quite a challenge. Yet, it is this very diversity that makes Buddhism so intriguing and applicable in a myriad of ways across various cultures.
In this guide, we will be exploring its three major schools with the aim of giving you a comprehensive overview that helps demystify Buddhism’s many faces. We will be finding out how they’re similar, how they’re different, and what they can teach us about leading a fulfilling, compassionate life.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that began over 2500 years ago, stemming from Hinduism.
Buddhism is more than just a religion though, it’s a way of life. And that’s how a lot of people would describe it. It’s a path of spiritual growth.
It’s about gaining insight into the true nature of reality. Buddhism invites us to change our world by changing the way we think and perceive. It’s about being present, being mindful and aware of our thoughts, our actions, and the world around us.
And, did you know? Buddhists don’t necessarily worship the Buddha. Instead, his teachings guide them towards living a life filled with compassion, wisdom, and inner peace.
Who is the Founder of Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama is the name of the man who became known as the Buddha, which means “The Enlightened One”. He was born into a royal family in the region that is now known as Nepal, around the 5th century BCE.
The photo above taken in Ngong Ping Plateau in Lantau Island depicts Siddhartha back when he was an ascetic.
Growing up, Siddhartha was protected by his father from witnessing any kind of suffering or hardship. However, on rare outings from his sheltered life, he saw the “Four Sights” – an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and a wandering ascetic. These sights deeply affected him, and he started questioning the luxuries and privileges he was born into.
In his late 20s, driven by a desire to understand life beyond his sheltered existence, Siddhartha decided to leave his royal life behind. He embarked on a spiritual quest to understand the nature of suffering and how to overcome it. He tried learning from religious teachers of the time, he tried severe ascetic practices, but none provided the answers he sought.
Finally, one day, under a Bodhi tree, Siddhartha decided to meditate until he found the answer. After many days and nights, it is said that he achieved “Enlightenment“. He found the answers he had been seeking, insights into suffering and the steps necessary to eliminate it. These insights later became the foundational principles of Buddhism (which we will be covering as well).
After his enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama became known as the Buddha and spent the rest of his life teaching others about the path to enlightenment that he had discovered, which is known as the “Dharma”. The Buddha passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a major world religion with millions of followers, known as Buddhists.
3 Schools of Buddhism
1. Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism, meaning the “School of the Elders,” is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, said to be closest to the original teachings of Gautama Buddha, also known as the Early Buddhist Texts.
If you’re wondering about the photo’s blue interior, this is actually in Thailand. The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai otherwise known as Wat Rong Suea Ten.
Theravada focuses on the rigorous understanding and practice of the Buddha’s teachings, as found in the Pali Canon or “Tipitaka,” the most comprehensive collection of early Buddhist texts. The Pali Canon includes discourses from the Buddha, rules for monastic discipline, and philosophical analysis.
Theravada Buddhism encourages the ideal of the “Arahant,” a person who has achieved liberation (nirvana) through their efforts, following the Noble Eightfold Path. The ultimate goal is to escape the cycle of suffering (samsara) and attain personal enlightenment.
Monasticism plays a significant role in Theravada Buddhism. Monks and nuns follow strict rules, meditate intensively, and study the Buddha’s teachings. They live in close communities and rely on the lay community for material support, including clothing, food, and shelter.
Laypeople in Theravada Buddhism can also follow the path to enlightenment, but many focus on gaining merit for a better rebirth through good deeds, supporting the monastic community, and practicing moral conduct, generosity, and meditation.
If you’re interested in learning more about Theravada Buddhism, you read my in-depth article on it here.
2. Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism, compared to Theravada, takes a more expansive view on Buddha’s teachings. Translating to “Great Vehicle,” it introduces many new texts, ideas, and practices that are not found in the Pali Canon. Its followers believe in the idea of universal salvation, emphasizing that enlightenment is attainable for all sentient beings.
A key concept in Mahayana Buddhism is the Bodhisattva ideal. Instead of striving to become an Arahant, like in Theravada, Mahayana Buddhists aim to become Bodhisattvas – enlightened beings who postpone their own final enlightenment to help others on their path. They follow the Bodhisattva path, a series of practices and vows aimed at cultivating great compassion and wisdom.
One of the most notable features of Mahayana Buddhism is its extensive pantheon of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, each associated with particular qualities or virtues. Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), Manjushri (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), and Amitabha Buddha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) and one of the Five Cosmic Buddhas, are amongst the most popular.
The photo above shows one of the 200 faces of Avalokiteshvara in Siem Reap’s Bayon Temple!
Mahayana Buddhism also introduces new practices and devotional elements. Chanting mantras, prostrations, making offerings, and meditation on specific Buddhas or Bodhisattvas are common aspects of Mahayana practice.
Within Mahayana, there are several well-known sub-schools, such as Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren, each with their unique emphasis and practices.
If you want to dig deeper in the the world of Mahayana Buddhism (including its sub-schools), you can read more here.
3. Vajrayana Buddhism
Vajrayana Buddhism or the “Thunderbolt Vehicle” has its roots in the Mahayana tradition but it distinguishes itself by emphasizing the role of esoteric practices.
These practices, which can include complex rituals, yoga, visualization of deities, and use of mantras and mandalas, are intended to speed up the path to enlightenment.
In the Vajrayana view, enlightenment isn’t something far-off to attain, it’s already here, embedded in our ordinary experience. The role of Vajrayana practices is to help practitioners recognize this inherent Buddha nature and to manifest it in the world.
The teacher-student relationship is another cornerstone in Vajrayana. Gurus, or spiritual teachers, play a critical role in guiding practitioners on the path, giving empowerments, and transmitting teachings.
The most recognized form of Vajrayana is Tibetan Buddhism, which encompasses several sub-schools, such as the Gelug, Nyingma, Sakya, and Kagyu. The exiled Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is probably the most famous Buddhist figure globally.
Mongolia is an example of a country that’s primarily Vajrayana Buddhism and the photo above was taken in Ulaanbataar.
If you’re interested in learning more about Vajrayana Buddhism, click here!
What are the Differences Between Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism?
Here’s a comprehensive table that will make it very easy for you to digest the key differences between the 3 schools of Buddhism:
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Theravada
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Mahayana
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Varjayana
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Foundation
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Based on the oldest recorded teachings of the Buddha, also known as the Pali Canon
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Developed centuries after the Buddha's death, embracing new sutras
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An offshoot of Mahayana, it uses esoteric practices
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Goal
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Achieve individual enlightenment and become an Arhat
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Attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings (Bodhisattva ideal)
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Rapidly achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime through tantra and other practices
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Key Practices
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Meditation, following the Eightfold Path, adherence to the Vinaya (monastic discipline)
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Meditation, devotion to Bodhisattvas, reading Mahayana sutras
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Tantra, deity yoga, guru devotion, mandala, mantra
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Scriptures
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Primarily the Pali Canon
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The Pali Canon, plus Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra
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Includes all Theravada and Mahayana texts, plus unique texts like Tibetan Book of the Dead
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Views on the Buddha
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The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is revered above all
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Many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas; Siddhartha Gautama is one of many
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Emphasis on the cosmic, timeless Buddha nature
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Role of Laypeople
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Laypeople support the monastic community, can attain enlightenment but generally considered a monastic endeavor
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Laypeople can become Bodhisattvas and can achieve enlightenment
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Laypeople can practice tantra and become enlightened as swiftly as monks/nuns
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Concept of Bodhisattva
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Less emphasis on Bodhisattva; focus on the Arahants
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Central to practice and belief; many Bodhisattvas revered
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Emphasized, but with a focus on tantric practices to achieve this state in one lifetime
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Role of Rituals
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Lesser emphasis on rituals; focus on insight meditation
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Varies, with some schools placing a large emphasis on rituals
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Rituals, especially tantric ones, are central to practice
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Views on the Nature of Reality
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Conventional reality is a delusion; ultimate reality is Nirvana
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Two Truths Doctrine: conventional reality and ultimate reality
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Ultimate reality is the pure, primordial nature of the mind
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Concept of the Self
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Anatta (no-self) – the belief that there is no permanent, unchanging self
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Emphasizes Sunyata (emptiness) and Tathagatagarbha (Buddha-nature)
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Emphasizes the integration of wisdom (emptiness) and compassion (Buddha-nature) in realizing one's innate Buddha-nature
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Buddhism by Country
Theravada Buddhism by Country
Theravada Buddhism is prevalent in South and Southeast Asia:
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Sri Lanka: Buddhism came to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE after the Third Buddhist Council, making it the oldest continually Buddhist country. Today, Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about 70% of the population. I recommend visiting the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa to get a deeper understanding of Theravada Buddhism in the country.
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Thailand: Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, with around 95% of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. The faith influences every aspect of Thai culture, from art and philosophy to the legal system. Whether you’re in Bangkok or Chiang Rai, you’ll find plenty of Wats (Temples) to explore, the White Temple is particularly interesting!
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Cambodia: In Cambodia, despite the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge in the late 20th century, which decimated the monkhood, Theravada Buddhism has seen a resurgence in Cambodian culture and is now practiced by over 95% of the population. The legendary Angkor Wat in Siem Reap was once a Hindu temple now turned Buddhist.
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Laos: In Laos, Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about two-thirds of the population. Buddhist traditions are integral to daily life; most Lao men spend some time as monks, even if only for a few days. The morning alms giving to monks, “Tak Bat,” is a significant daily event. Head on to Vientiane to see the golden Pha That Luang or to the cave temples in Vang Vieng!
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Myanmar: Myanmar (Burma) has the highest proportion of monks and nuns in the Theravada Buddhist world, with about 89% of the population practicing Buddhism. The country is famous for its thousands of historic Buddhist pagodas and temples. Burmese Buddhism incorporates elements of nat (spirit) worship, reflecting pre-Buddhist animist beliefs. The majestic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is one of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in the world!
Mahayana Buddhism by Country
Mahayana Buddhism is more prevalent in East Asia:
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Japan: In Japan, Mahayana Buddhism coexists with Shinto, a native religious practice, forming a syncretic mix of both. Many Japanese follow both Buddhism and Shinto (known as Shugendo), with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines often located in close proximity or within each other. Different sects of Japanese Buddhism, such as Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren Buddhism, have had significant influence on Japanese culture.
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Singapore: Singapore, with its multiethnic and multicultural society, has a diverse religious landscape with plenty of examples on religious syncretism with Hinduism. Mahayana Buddhism is the most widely followed form of Buddhism, particularly by the Chinese community.
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Vietnam: Vietnamese Buddhism is a unique mix that includes elements of Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Taoism. Mahayana Buddhism, however, is the most dominant. You can find plenty of Mahayana Buddhist temples within Hanoi or perched on top of the mountains in the grottoes of Trang An.
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South Korea: South Korea primarily practices a form of Mahayana Buddhism known as Seon (Zen) Buddhism. It was brought to Korea in the 6th century and became the dominant form of Buddhism in the 7th century. Korean Buddhism has interacted with Confucianism and indigenous shamanism, creating something that’s only found in Korean culture.
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China: Chinese Buddhism is predominantly Mahayana Buddhism. It entered China from India around the first century AD and has since grown and developed in unique ways, resulting in distinctive Chinese Buddhist schools such as Pure Land Buddhism and Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Chinese Buddhism often coexists with Taoism and Confucianism, in what’s known as the “Three Teachings”.
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Hong Kong: Hong Kong has numerous Mahayana Buddhist temples, monasteries, and nunneries. I was able to visit Chi Lin Nunnery within the city, and the Po Lin Monastery which houses the gigantic Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau Island.
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Taiwan: Mahayana Buddhism is highly prevalent and is the form most often practiced by Taiwanese Buddhists. It often coexists with elements of Taoism and Confucianism, as well as indigenous folk religion.
Vajrayana Buddhism by Country
Vajrayana Buddhism is most prominently practiced in South and East Asia:
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Mongolia: Buddhism was introduced to Mongolia as early as the 3rd century AD, and it became the dominant religion by the 16th century with the adoption of Vajrayana Buddhism, often known as Tibetan Buddhism. Despite severe repression of Buddhism during the communist era of the 20th century, it has since experienced a resurgence, and many Mongolians once again identify with Tibetan Buddhism and its practices.
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Nepal: Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, so the religion holds significant cultural importance in the country. Vajrayana Buddhism is practiced especially by the Newar communities in the Kathmandandu valley. However, most of the population of Nepal practices Hinduism, and the two religions often coexist and influence each other.
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Bhutan: Bhutan is unique in the world as it’s the only country where Vajrayana Buddhism (specifically the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school) is the state religion. The practice of Buddhism is deeply ingrained in daily life, and monastic institutions hold significant social and political influence. The country even measures its success in terms of “Gross National Happiness,” a concept rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
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Tibet: Tibet is often considered the heartland of Vajrayana Buddhism, with its teachings closely associated with the region. Despite years of religious repression under Chinese rule, Tibetan Buddhism continues to be a significant part of the cultural identity for Tibetans.
What are the Core Beliefs of Buddhism?
Four Noble Truths
To truly understand Buddhism, we first need to explore the Four Noble Truths. Picture them as the roadmap to navigating life, as taught by Buddha himself.
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The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): This is life’s hard truth – suffering exists. It can be as apparent as a physical pain or as subtle as a fleeting moment of frustration. Buddha was pretty straightforward here. Life, as beautiful as it can be, comes with its fair share of hardships, losses, and disappointments.
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The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya): If suffering were a tree, this would be its roots. Buddha taught that the root of all suffering is desire or “tanha”. We desire for pleasure, we desire to become something, we desire to get rid of something – and all these desires bind us to the cycle of suffering.
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The Truth of the End of Suffering (Nirodha): Now for some good news – suffering can be extinguished. We can break free from the shackles of desire, ultimately leading to Nirvana, the state of liberation, peace, and happiness. It’s not about removing ourselves from reality but understanding and experiencing it completely, without the cloud of our desires and fears.
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The Truth of the Path leading to the End of Suffering (Magga): Buddha didn’t leave us in the lurch; he gave us an eight-step action plan – The Noble Eightfold Path. It’s like a spiritual compass guiding us to live mindfully, act wisely, and ultimately free ourselves from the cycle of suffering.
Karma
In simple terms, Karma is the law of cause and effect, action and reaction. It says that every action we take leaves a seed so to speak, which will eventually bear fruit. If you perform good deeds, happiness will come back to you, and if you cause harm, you will face suffering. It’s kind of like the universe’s version of “what goes around comes around”.
Karma is simply about taking responsibility for our actions, knowing that every decision we make shapes our reality. It encourages us to act mindfully and morally, not out of fear of punishment, but because we understand that our actions have consequences.
One key thing to remember is that Karma is not about predestination. We are not bound by our past actions; rather, we have the freedom to shape our future through what we choose to do in the present. It’s a continual process of learning and growing, and ultimately, moving towards enlightenment.
Karma reminds us that we’re the authors of our own life story.
Samsara
Imagine life as a great wheel, endlessly turning, each revolution a single life, each new turn a rebirth. This is Samsara, a fundamental concept in Buddhism, which is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
As beings, we are trapped in this cyclical existence that is often characterized by suffering. This isn’t necessarily pessimistic though; it’s more of a motivator for Buddhists to seek liberation through the path laid down by Buddha.
This cycle is fueled by our ignorance, desire, and anger, which are known in Buddhism as the Three Poisons. These drive our actions which determine the circumstances of our future rebirths (Karma).
So, is there a way out of this endless loop? Yes, the good news is that Samsara isn’t a life sentence. Buddhists believe that through following the Eightfold Path (more on this below) and seeking enlightenment, one can achieve Nirvana, the ultimate liberation from this cycle.
Nirvana
We’ve all heard of the band, but what exactly does its namesake mean?
Nirvana is actually the ultimate goal in Buddhism, the finish line, the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the end of a movie where the hero finally finds what they’ve been searching for.
Imagine blowing out a flame. That’s literally what the word “Nirvana” means in Sanskrit – “to extinguish”. But what’s getting extinguished? It’s the flames of desire, attachment, and ignorance, the things that keep us trapped in the endless cycle of Samsara. When these are extinguished, what remains is a state of liberation.
Nirvana is often seen as a state of “nothingness”. But that’s not quite right. It’s not nothing, but it’s a state free from the sufferings of the material world.
It’s beyond description, beyond words, and beyond our usual understanding of reality. It’s said to be a state of absolute peace, bliss, and wisdom. It’s the ultimate freedom, the breaking of the chains that tie us to Samsara.
Also, Nirvana isn’t some heavenly realm. It’s a state of being, a change in perception that can be achieved right here and right now. Buddhists believe that by following the Noble Eightfold Path, by leading a life of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, anyone can achieve Nirvana.
And once someone achieves Nirvana, they’re no longer subject to the cycle of birth and death. They’ve broken free, they’ve woken up, they’ve attained enlightenment. The ultimate goal has been reached.
Three Universal Truths
Buddhism carries with it a universal outlook, one that transcends borders, cultures, and times. This perspective is embodied in what’s known as the Three Universal Truths. Regardless of which Buddhist tradition you dig into, these truths will always remain the same:
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Dukkha (Suffering): This is the realization that life in its conventional sense is full of suffering. Remember the first Noble Truth?
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Anicca (Impermanence): Everything in the world is impermanent and constantly changing. Nothing lasts forever, not our joys, not our sorrows, not even ourselves. Change is the only constant. This is true for everything we perceive – material objects, the body, emotions, thoughts, perceptions, consciousness. Recognizing this truth is a key part of the path to enlightenment, as it helps to release attachment to things that are inherently transitory.
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Anatta (Non-Self): This is probably the most unique and profound concept in Buddhism, and also the most difficult to grasp. Anatta suggests that there is no eternal, unchanging soul. We are made up of five parts or “skandhas”: form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. These constantly change and interrelate, and they give the illusion of a permanent, individual self. But in reality, no such independent entity exists. Understanding this truth leads to a release from fear and the illusion of control, and it opens the door to true enlightenment. If you want to learn more about the concept of emptiness which ties closely to the concept of non-self, you can read my article on it here.
What are the Core Principles of Buddhism?
Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path is considered the path to achieving Nirvana. It’s more like a set of guidelines rather than a step-by-step path.
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Right Understanding: This means understanding the Four Noble Truths and the Universal Truths.
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Right Thought: This is about adopting the right mindset. It involves letting go of harmful desires, developing kindness, and practicing non-violence.
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Right Speech: This guideline suggests speaking truthfully, avoiding gossip, and refraining from harmful words.
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Right Action: For instance, not killing, not stealing, and not engaging in sexual misconduct.
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Right Livelihood: This means making a living in a way that doesn’t harm others and is ethically sound such as not trading in weapons.
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Right Effort: This is about making a dedicated effort to develop and maintain beneficial qualities, like compassion and wisdom, while letting go of harmful states of mind.
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Right Mindfulness: This involves being fully aware and present in each moment, observing experiences without judgment.
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Right Concentration: This refers to cultivating a focused, calm mind, often through practices like meditation.
Five Precepts
The Five Precepts are not commandments but are simply ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists – they’re like the moral code of conduct.
Abstain from Killing: This precept goes beyond simply not killing other humans, but also includes all living beings.
Abstain from Stealing: This means not taking what is not freely given. It implies respect for the property and rights of others.
Abstain from Sexual Misconduct: This can be interpreted in different ways, but generally, it means being responsible and respectful in sexual relationships.
Abstain from False Speech: This includes lying, but also speech that is harsh or unnecessary. It encourages speaking truthfully, kindly, and at the right time.
Abstain from Intoxicants: This refers to avoiding substances that cloud the mind and lead to careless behavior.
