Are there different types of buddhism?

Question

If so, what are they?

Answer 1

We must make the distinction between what the Buddha taught and what people preach and practise in the name of Buddhism.The religion which we call 'Buddhism' today is very different in its external practices from what the Buddha and his early followers carried out.Centuries of cultural and environmental influence have made the Myanmar,Thai,Chinese,Tibetan,Sri Lankan,Japanese and Korean Buddhist way of life different.But these practices are not in conflict,because the Buddha taught that while the Truth remains absolute,the physical manifestation of this truth can differ according to the way of life of those who profess it.

A few hundred years after the Buddha's passing away,there arose 18 different schools all of which claimed to represent the original Teachings of the Buddha.Over a period of time,these schools gradually merged into two main schools:Theravada and Mahayana.Today,the majority of the followers of Buddhism are divided into these two schools.
Most of the people in Tibet and Mongolia follow another school of Buddhism which is known as Vajrajana.According to most scholars,this school inclines more towards the Mahayana sect.

Answer 2

It has three different branches: theravada, mahayana and vajrayana. Buddhism is essentially an ethical philosophy and not a religion.

Answer 3

Yup, as with any religion that's been around a long time. The three big divisions are Theravada (Way of the Elders), Hinayana (Greater Vehicle), and Vajrayana (Tantric).