traditionsBuddhism

Traditions of Buddhism encompass diverse practices, schools, and cultural expressions that arose after its origins in South Asia. While all traditions share core teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, they differ in scriptures, meditation approaches, rituals, and organization. The main umbrella divisions are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, with various regional schools under each.

Theravada, prominent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, relies on the Pali Canon. It emphasizes monastic life as the primary path to liberation, with ethical conduct, meditation, and insight leading to arahantship. Lay followers participate through generosity, the Five Precepts, and support for monastics.

Mahayana, spreading from India to East Asia, emphasizes the bodhisattva path—achieving enlightenment for all beings. Its scriptures include many sutras and treatises. Major schools include Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren. Practices range from Zen koans and seated meditation to devotional recitation and sutra study.

Vajrayana, associated with Tibetan Buddhism, adds tantric rituals, visualizations, mantras, empowerment ceremonies, and guru devotion. Practitioners may pursue rapid progress under a qualified teacher. Tibetan practice blends monastic and lay life, with features such as deity visualization, guru yoga, and ritual instruments.

Across traditions common elements include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, ethical precepts, meditation, and temple or monastery life. Festivals such as Vesak commemorate the Buddha, while alms and offerings show lay support for monastic communities.