There are many subdivisions within Buddhism, but most can be classified into three major branches: Theravada ("Way of the Elders"), Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") and Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle").
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism went their separate ways in the first century AD. The Vajrayana Buddhist tradition is an esoteric sect that is predominant in Tibet and Nepal.
Mahayana (Sanskrit: महायान mahāyāna, literally the "Great Vehicle") is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice. Mahayana Buddhism originated in India, and some scholars believe that it was initially associated with one of the oldest historical branches of Buddhism, the Mahasaṃghika.The Mahayana tradition is the largest major tradition of Buddhism existing today.
Vajrayana is a complex and multifaceted system of Buddhist thought and practice which evolved over several centuries.According to Vajrayana scriptures "Vajrayana" refers to one of three vehicles or routes to enlightenment, the other two being the Hinayana and Mahayana.
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism went their separate ways in the first century AD. The Vajrayana Buddhist tradition is an esoteric sect that is predominant in Tibet and Nepal.
Mahayana (Sanskrit: महायान mahāyāna, literally the "Great Vehicle") is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice. Mahayana Buddhism originated in India, and some scholars believe that it was initially associated with one of the oldest historical branches of Buddhism, the Mahasaṃghika.The Mahayana tradition is the largest major tradition of Buddhism existing today.
Vajrayana is a complex and multifaceted system of Buddhist thought and practice which evolved over several centuries.According to Vajrayana scriptures "Vajrayana" refers to one of three vehicles or routes to enlightenment, the other two being the Hinayana and Mahayana.