| Just like there are many different denominations of | | | | Eastern Buddhism, also known as Mahayana |
| Christianity - including Protestant churches and | | | | Buddhism. This sect not only teaches the Pali Canon |
| Catholicism, the different types of Buddhism reflect the | | | | (which is the religious text of Theraveda Buddhism) but |
| way that this religion is practiced. | | | | also includes additional texts and beliefs. In order to |
| Buddhism is a dharmic religion and form of spirituality | | | | reach Nirvana, Mahayana Buddhists believe that a |
| that revolves around certain beliefs and practices - all | | | | person must practice universal compassion, which is |
| of which are aimed at bringing the participant closer to | | | | the altruistic quest of the Bodhisattva to attain the |
| Buddhahood - the highest level of spiritual awareness. | | | | "Awakened Mind" of Buddhahood. Mahayana |
| However, because the religion has gained followers in | | | | Buddhism also has a level of mysticism involved. This |
| several different parts of the world (mostly in Asia), | | | | type of Buddhism is practiced in China, Korea and |
| the way that Buddhism is practiced has split into | | | | Japan, as well as parts of other Asian countries. |
| several different sects. All of the Buddhist sects | | | | The third of the different types of Buddhism is |
| believe certain things in common: all accept Buddha as | | | | Northern or Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is |
| their teacher, use the Four Noble Truths and the | | | | also considered to be a type of Mahayana Buddhism, |
| Eightfold Path in their teachings, and believe that | | | | but it also embraces other teachings, texts and |
| Buddhahood is the highest attainment. | | | | practices that are not seen in the Eastern type of |
| Most scholars divide the different types of Buddhism | | | | Mahayana Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is also |
| into three sections. The first of these is Southern | | | | sometimes called Tantric Buddhism or Vajrayana. This |
| Buddhism, or Theraveda Buddhism. The word | | | | type of Buddhism uses both the Mahayana and |
| Theraveda is a word in the Pali language (thought to | | | | Theraveda scriptures, as well as a number of Buddhist |
| be spoken by the Buddha) that means "the Doctrine of | | | | Tantras - all of which are aimed at attaining |
| the Elders". The biggest aim in the Theraveda practice | | | | Buddhahood in just one lifetime instead of requiring |
| is to use meditation to train the mind, and to encourage | | | | many reincarnations. |
| freedom of the mind from suffering. This freedom | | | | While all of the different types of Buddhism have the |
| from suffering will allow you to reach the greatest | | | | same goal and same basis for their beliefs, the way |
| spiritual goal - Nirvana. Theraveda Buddhism is the only | | | | that Buddhahood is obtained varies from sect to sect. |
| surviving school from the earliest years of Buddhism, | | | | It is important to understand the way that each sect |
| and it is mostly practiced today in Sri Lanka, Laos and | | | | works before choosing to practice a type of |
| Cambodia. | | | | Buddhism. |
| The second type of Buddhism that is mentioned is | | | | |