Buddhism Divisions

Theravada - Theravada Buddhism is the oldest form of Buddhism, it was established in India, home of the Buddha. It is sometimes referred to as Hinayana by other Buddhist branches, but the meaning of this branch means "lesser or smaller vehicle." It focuses on individual realization or awakened being.

Mahayana - Mahayana Buddhism evolved later than Theravada, around the 1st century CE in India. Mahayana means "great vehicle" and this refers to the fact that most Mahayana schools place the compassionate will to free all human being from suffering. The Mahayana branches vary widely in philosophy and practices.

Zen and Tibetan - Two of the most widely practiced forms of Buddhism in the West, and are considered Mahayana traditions. Other schools of thought are Pure Land, Nichiren, Shingon, and Tendai. Mahayana, which is mostly practiced in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and the Tibetan throughout India and the West. Each Mahayana school has many branches; such as , the primary lineages of Zen are Rinzai and Soto, and Tibetan Buddhism has four main lineages, which are Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. They all have distinct scriptures and practices.