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A statue of Buddha usually reflects the region and Buddhist discipline from where it was created. Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.”  Those who practice Buddhism engage in a spiritual quest to attain a state of complete enlightenment known as Nirvana.  

These different Buddhist religions are all united under some core Buddhist principles. In each, the Buddha is considered the spiritual leader.  The Four Noble Truths are core to their philosophies and teachings.  Those who practice Buddhism follow the principles of the Eightfold Path and believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that one could achieve.

Around 300 BC, the Theravada, or “Traditions of the Elders” was first established.  This religion centered around the teachings of Buddha and encouraged the sangha (followers) to use meditation as a means to teach the mind and eliminate suffering with the goal of achieving Buddhahood.  Theravada Buddhism gave life to the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist teachings and the laws governing the practices of Buddhist monks referred to as the Ten Precepts.

This discipline of Buddhism originated in India and moved through southeast Asia into Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and other Asian countries.  As it was adopted by the indigenous peoples, the Theravada was adapted to include the religious viewpoints of the various geographic regions. this form of Buddhism is still popular in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.

Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious texts and philosophies that champion of belief in universal compassion and altruism.  These beliefs are central to their concept of an “Awakened mind.”  Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology.  Mahayana Buddhism itself has divided into two main sects.  Zen Buddhism, which focuses more on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance and Pure Land Buddhism which teaches that dedication to the Amitabha Buddha is required to reach Nirvana.

Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations.  referred to as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana incorporates text and scriptures from both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras.  A major difference of Vajrayana Buddhism is that it teaches that Buddhahood can be achieved in a single life time without need for reincarnation.  

The Path to Enlightenment and Buddhahood is the most significant difference between the various Buddhist disciplines.  While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably.