There are many subdivisions within Buddhism, but most can be classified into three major branches: Theravada ("Way of the Elders"), Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") and Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle"). Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism went their separate ways in the first century CE. Mahayana then subdivided into several diverse schools, such as Zen, Pure Land and Nichiren, many of which flourish today in East Asia. The Vajrayana Buddhist tradition is an esoteric sect that is predominant in Tibet and Nepal.
Buddhist Sects and Schools
Article Info
Article Title | Buddhist Sects and Schools |
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Date Published |
March 17, 2015
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Last Updated |
September 3, 2024
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Full URL |
https:://religionfacts.com/buddhism/branches
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Short URL | https://rlft.co/1340 |
MLA Citation | “Buddhist Sects and Schools.” ReligionFacts. 17 Mar 2015, https:://religionfacts.com/buddhism/branches. Accessed 14 Oct 2024. |
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