Category: Buddhist Path | Recent Meditation Posts
Buddhism has been practiced for thousands of years, spanning geographic regions, cultures and languages. Different schools of Buddhism have arisen in these various times and places. They may have varying definitions of full enlightenment or the fastest means of getting there, but each is rooted in the four noble truths.
Different Schools Of Buddhism
Buddhism has a complex history that spans the globe and thousands of years. As Buddhism spread from its point of origin in the region of northern India, different schools of Buddhism began to emerge. The culture and language of various regions influenced which practices and teachings were emphasized. Other schools were defined by differences in the rules for monks or even subtle variations in interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings.
Today, Buddhism is primarily categorized into two main branches, Theravada and Mahayana. Within these categories, however, are many other schools and differentiators.
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is the oldest school of Buddhism still practiced today. It is the only widely practiced non-Mahayana school of Buddhism. The lineage is popular in India, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the West. Practitioners of Theravada Buddhism study the original teachings of the Buddha, as recorded in the Pali Canon.
Theravada Buddhism focuses on a personal journey toward liberation and nirvana. One who has reached nirvana is an arhat. Theravada Buddhism, however, defines full enlightenment as a step further and as something that may not be possible for everyone in this lifetime.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism is the most widely practiced form of Buddhism worldwide. Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism are all forms of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana teachings both include and go beyond Theravada teachings. Mahayana practitioners embrace the oldest teachings of the Pali Canon but also more recently recorded sutras that emphasize the bodhisattva path. The Mahayana school differs from Theravada Buddhism in how it defines enlightenment and the motivation to practice.
For a Mahayana practitioner, individual liberation does not go far enough, as none of us can be truly free until we all are. The bodhisattva thus takes a vow to put others first and works for the enlightenment of others as a means of liberating themselves. Within the Mahayana school of Buddhism, there are numerous lineages, each with subtle distinctions.
The Main Schools Of Mahayana Buddhism
Within Mahayana Buddhism, further differentiators divide Buddhist schools into philosophical and practice traditions. In India, two schools of thought, the Mādhyamaka or Middle Way school and the Yogācāra school influenced separate lineages. Scholars continue to debate whether these philosophical expressions are in opposition or are simply different ways of looking at the same thing.
Among the four primary schools of Tibetan Buddhism, two systems of meditation practice have evolved, Dzogchen (the great perfection) and Mahamudra (the great seal). The Nyingma and sometimes Kagyu lineages emphasize Dzogchen. Mahamudra is practiced in the Kagyu, Gelug and Sakya schools.
Mahayana Buddhist schools also include the East Asian schools of Chinese Buddhism, Chan or Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, Nichiren, Huayan, and Tiantai.
Secular Buddhism
In the West, several schools have arisen that emphasize secular Buddhism. These Buddhist schools forego what may be considered ‘religious’ aspects of Buddhism, such as the monastic tradition, taking vows or practicing certain Buddhist rituals. Secular Buddhists may also set aside ‘beliefs’ in rebirth and some of the more esoteric understandings of bodhisattvas and Buddhas.
The Insight Meditation Society and the Vipassana movement are examples of secular Buddhist schools. Vipassana is an effective meditation technique that leads to insight. It is not dependent on belief or dogma and can be practiced by those of any faith.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and associated 8-week programs are arguably a new, secular form of Buddhism. Developed in the 1970s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR brings the benefits of mindfulness practice to clinical settings, with no mention of Buddhism or religion.
There is great debate regarding the benefits and drawbacks of secularization. Its existence, however, brings our awareness to the truth that Buddhism has always morphed to meet the needs of the present culture, that we may receive the dharma as we are in this moment.
This article was written by Sara-Mai Conway from mindworks.org
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