"Buddhism" is really a collection of different traditions that have developed over thousands of years. Each tradition has its own unique beliefs and practices, although they share common teachings of the Buddha, such as the Four Noble Truths we've just seen.
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest Buddhist traditions that originated in India and spread to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. The term "Theravada" means "the teaching of the elders," which emphasizes the Buddha's original teachings. The central belief of this tradition is that the path to enlightenment requires individual effort and self-discipline.
In Theravada Buddhism, monks play a crucial role in preserving the Buddha's teachings and guiding laypeople. The monks follow strict monastic rules and focus on meditation and studying the scriptures. They also practice alms-giving, which involves receiving food from the laypeople as a form of spiritual practice.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism is another major Buddhist tradition that originated in India and spread to China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. The term "Mahayana" means "great vehicle," which emphasizes the idea of universal compassion and helping all beings to attain enlightenment.
In Mahayana Buddhism, there are many different practices, including meditation, chanting, and offering prayers to the Buddha and bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own enlightenment to help others attain enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhism also emphasizes the concept of emptiness, which teaches that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence.
Vajrayana Buddhism
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in Tibet and spread to Mongolia, Bhutan, and parts of China and India. The term "Vajrayana" means "diamond vehicle," which emphasizes the importance of direct transmission of the teachings from a teacher to a student.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, practitioners use various methods to transform ordinary experiences into spiritual ones, such as visualizations, mantras, and deity yoga. The practices often involve complex rituals and ceremonies, and practitioners work closely with a teacher or guru.
Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China and spread to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The term "Zen" comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word "Chan," which means "meditation."
In Zen Buddhism, meditation is the central practice, and practitioners aim to attain enlightenment through direct experience rather than through studying scriptures or relying on rituals. Zen Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and living in the present moment.
Nichiren Buddhism
Nichiren Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in Japan in the 13th century. The central belief of this tradition is that chanting the Lotus Sutra can lead to enlightenment and happiness.
In Nichiren Buddhism, practitioners chant the phrase "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" and use other practices such as studying the sutras and participating in discussion meetings. Nichiren Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of taking action to promote peace and social justice.
Whether it is Theravada Buddhism's emphasis on individual effort, Mahayana Buddhism's emphasis on universal compassion, Vajrayana Buddhism's use of complex practices and rituals, Zen Buddhism's focus on meditation and mindfulness, or Nichiren Buddhism's emphasis on chanting, each tradition offers its own path to enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment, but all stem from the same core teachings.