Buddha

Over the centuries, many sects and schools of Buddhism have developed. A major division is between the conservative Buddhism of south Asia found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and more doctrinally innovate schools of the north encountered in Tibet, central Aisa, China, and Japan. In the south Asia the Theraveda school predominates, and its name is commonly translated as the “Doctrines of the Elders.’ This school regards itself as the custodian of the authentic early teachings which date back to the Buddha himself The schools of north Asia belong to the movement known as the Mahayana, meaning the “Great Vehicle.” Individual Buddhists would identify themselves ad belonging to one or other of the two families, in way that Muslims would regard themselves Sunni or Shite, or Western Christians would think themselves as either Protestant or Catholic. ~ Page 13