| Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha whose | | | | Asian countries. |
| teachings are referred to as "the Dharma." Buddhist | | | | As it was adopted by the indigenous peoples, the |
| believe they are on a spiritual journey to Nirvana, a | | | | Theravada was adapted to include the religious beliefs |
| state of complete enlightenment. Over time the | | | | of the various geographic regions. It is still practiced in |
| Buddhist religion has evolved, fractured and adapted | | | | Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.Eastern |
| as it spread through Asia and eventually the globe. | | | | Buddhism known as Mahayana broadens the Buddhist |
| There are three main sects of Buddhism today along | | | | scriptures to include other religious texts and |
| with several smaller variants of the religion.These | | | | philosophies that encourage altruism and the need to |
| different Buddhist religions are all united under some | | | | live a life of universal compassion. These beliefs are |
| core Buddhist principles. In each, the Buddha is | | | | central to their concept of an 'Awakened mind.' |
| considered the spiritual leader. The Four Noble Truths | | | | Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan |
| are core to their philosophies and teachings. | | | | and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and |
| Those who practice Buddhism follow the principles of | | | | cosmology. This form of Buddhism has divided into |
| the Eightfold Path and believe that Buddhahood is the | | | | two main sects. the version of Buddhism that puts |
| highest possible state that one could achieve.The | | | | emphasis on internalization of the spiritual path and |
| Theravada or "doctrine of the Elders" was established | | | | self-reliance is called Zen Buddhism. The other form |
| around 300 BC.. This religion centered around the | | | | which emphasizes the need for dedication to the |
| teachings of Buddha and encouraged the sangha | | | | Amitabha Buddha in order to reach Nirvana is called |
| (followers) to teach the mind to eliminate suffering | | | | Pure Land Buddhism. |
| through the use of meditation with the ultimate goal of | | | | Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to |
| reaching Nirvana. | | | | Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations. referred to |
| Theravada Buddhism established the canon of | | | | as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana melds the scriptures |
| Buddhist teachings and the Ten Precepts which | | | | and text of both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism |
| govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Theravada | | | | along with Buddhist Tantras. Vajrayana teaches that it |
| Buddhism originated in India and migrated to southeast | | | | is possible to achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime |
| Asia into Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and other | | | | without the journey of reincarnation. |