Buddhism - Can anyone explain to me in the most simple way how they are separated???

Question

I mean the sects or schools of Buddhism - I think vhy has the idea... anyone go for better?

Answer 1

My dear friend,

Below I have done my best to try and explain the sects of Buddhism to level comprehensible to the general public; I sincerely hope it helps you. [please note, that this was also my answer to another learned friend's question quite similar to yours; it is the third time I have answered this question]

Before I begin though, I would like to comment on the above learned peoples' answers. I am sorry to say that you have yet to answer our friend's answer. People come here, to the answers services because they have been unsuccessful in their quest for an answer; hence it is up to people who may know the answer to try and assist them in any way that we can, and not simply throw them more incomprehensible information. This is something I wish to achieve in the below content.

A period after the pir-nirvana of the Lord Buddha, the "Elders" and the "Novices" of Buddhism had an argument regarding the preservation of offerings for an overnight situation. This let to a fine separation into 2 factions of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahasamghika (Elders and Novices) - the terms used previously are given in the ancient language Sanskrit. In fact, the Mahasamghika was the stepping stone or hint that another form of Buddhism would take place, and that form would be known as Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to the world by Nagarjuna Buddha (or Nagarjuna Bodhisattva - depending on tradition), and the Mahasamghika slowly dissipated into another form of Buddhism, known as Hinayana.

So to briefly bring things into perspective: Hinayana, Mahayana and Theravada. However, this is not the end yet. Some people actually place Theravada Buddhism under the banner of Hinayana Buddhism. So, there are mainly the two branches: Hinayana and Mahayana (but readers please take note, it is not that I am in total agreement of this; I merely wish to use it as an example to simplify matters). Now, to help you understand the differences. Places like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, India etc are all examples where Hinayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are easily distinguished tending to look like a very large cloth wrapped around their body. Countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, Tibet, Japan etc are all examples where Mahayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are not so easily distinguished tending to vary from tradition, but one thing is certain, and that is they often have a look of Chinese Tang Dynasty Royal Family robes.

Well, "is that all", you ask? No, because within the Mahayana tradition there is another lineage of Buddhism, known as the Tantrayana (or Vajrayana). All the countries mentioned in the category of Mahayana fit this description, but please take note that there is an extremely large amount of overlapping. And to complicate matter even further, these branches of Buddhism are separated in another general manner: Exoteric and Esoteric.

So to conclude:
Exoteric Buddhism - Hinayana Buddhism (Thailand, Sri Lanka...etc)
- Mahayana Buddhism (Taiwan, Korea, China)

Esoteric Buddhism-Tantrayana Buddhism (China, Tibet, Japan)

Remember, it all depends in what context you are speaking of.

I hope I have helped you, and would appreciate criticism and education from the learned friends of the world wide web.

vhy

Answer 2

As the Dhamma continued its spread across India after the Buddha's passing, differing interpretations of the original teachings arose, which led to schisms within the Sangha and the emergence of as many as eighteen distinct sects of Buddhism. One of these schools eventually gave rise to a reform movement that called itself Mahayana (the "Greater Vehicle") and that referred to the other schools disparagingly as Hinayana (the "Lesser Vehicle"). What we call Theravada today is the sole survivor of those early non-Mahayana schools. To avoid the pejorative tone implied by the terms Hinayana and Mahayana, it is common today to use more neutral language to distinguish between these two main branches of Buddhism. Because Theravada historically dominated southern Asia, it is sometimes called "Southern" Buddhism, while Mahayana, which migrated northwards from India into China, Tibet, Japan, and Korea, is known as "Northern" Buddhism.

Theravada, the "Doctrine of the Elders," is the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Tipitaka, or Pali Canon, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddha's teachings. For many centuries, Theravada has been the predominant religion of continental Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, Cambodia, and Laos) and Sri Lanka. Today Theravada Buddhists number well over 100 million worldwide. In recent decades Theravada has begun to take root in the West.

Theravada emphasizes the life of the monk and serious meditation practices that demand extended time and isolation which became difficult for millions and as Buddhism moved into new countries outside India it also had to compete with other religions. A new strand developed which was known as Mahayana.

Mahayan accommodated and change it’s religious beliefs and practices to the religious expectations and ideas of people. They moved away from considering monks as the only elite and beyond the monastery. The Mahayan interpreted and transformed the Buddha and his teachings into divine being of personal nature and transcendence.
Variants of Mahayana Buddhism:
Tibetan Buddhism
Zen/ Ch'an Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhism
Nichiren Buddhism
Tentai Buddhism
Yogachara Buddhism
Avatamsaka Buddhism
Madhyamika Buddhism

Try not to get confused with the various traditions: just go for what feels right and ideally do a course. Amazingly, it seems to me that at least 90% of the people stick to the tradition they started in - somehow karma seems to be at work there... Anyway, the biggest differences between the Buddhist traditions are usually more on the surface than in the ideas behind the appearances. Although for example in Zen you will find very little ritual etc., and in Tibetan Buddhism you may be overwhelmed by it, at the core of the practice are the same ideas, just different methods.

Answer 3

Hello themaker1986.. :)

As with Christianity and a lot of other faiths..there are different walks in Buddhism..the only one I am knowledgeable about is SGI..which stands for Soka Gakkai International..

They separated from a different walk..I still am not sure what they were called before..I do know that they were very angry at one another..when they did depart ways.. :(

In Jesus Most Precious Name..
With Love..In Christ.. :)

Answer 4

Christianity believes in Blind Faith. Believing and knowing without seeing or touching. Buddhism believes in worshiping an idol and be lives you are here to master one thing in this life. being patient or kind or forgiving or anger... And you have to master all tasks be for you can go to the 7th heaven. Christians believe in you only get one chance. Make the best of it and master everything in this life.

Answer 5

do you mean the different types of buddhism, or buddhism and other religions, or ....

p.s. buddhism has nothing to do with worshipping an idol. so, whatever you do, don't listen to the first answer on your list.

Answer 6

Are you refering to the 5 School of Thought ?

Yellow school of thought = No Wine, No Meat, no sex ( Asia, China )
Red School of thought = Wine, Meat. Sex ok ( Tibet )
Black School = Wine, Meat, Sex ok
Green school = No wine, meat, sex
White School = No Wine, No Meat, No Sex ( Zen Buddhism )

Or that, you are refering to Buddhism and Hinduism
Same thought = Countless Rebirth to attain Nivana.

Answer 7

buddism is one of the best religions i would say. it teaches you about your karma. look im not a pro so im just telling what i noe. but it's a religion that doesn't bind you. you're relax.. don't get mixed up between buddhism and taoism. taoism is abt beliefs that can be pretty ridiculuos.

Answer 8

How they're separated from WHAT?