types of buddhism

            There are many types of Buddhism in the world today but there are three types that are the most distinctive and noteworthy.  They are: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. In this section of the site, I will try my best to explain them to you.

Theravada

           Theravada Buddhism is one of the three major Buddhism schools in the world.  It is followed by over one hundred million worldwide and is the most popular form of Buddhism in the world.  It is sometimes called the " Lesser Vehicle Buddhism."   Closer in doctrine and practice of Buddhism than Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhism, its scriptures are preserved in Pali, an ancient Indian language.  It is found in Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Mahayana

            A very diverse branch of Buddhism is Mahayana.  Preserved in Chinese, it has co-existed with many of the important ideas in history like Shinto, Confucianism, Taoism, and Communism.  Followed by fifty to a hundred million people in western Asia, it is the second-most popular form of Buddhism in the world.  It is also called the "Great Vehicle Buddhism."

Tibetan
            The third major school of Buddhism is Tibetan Buddhism. It is sometimes referred to as Northern Buddhism.  Though the outlook of Tibetan Buddhism is broadly Mahayana, it is very specific.  It is followed by roughly fifteen million in Tibet, Mongolia, parts of Nepal, and Himalayan India.   The Great Dalai Lama heads it.
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