SCHOOLS OF

BUDDHISM
Prepared by: Hasanah I. Ameril BSA-1
 Theravada Buddhism
◦ The oldest school of Buddhism.
◦ The “Way of the Elders” or the “Small Vehicle”.
◦ Found in Southern Asia.
◦ Believes that the Buddha was only a man not superhuman.
◦ The monastic life is the best way to achieve nirvana.
◦ Focus on wisdom and meditation.
◦ Goal is to become a “Buddha”, or “The Enlightened One”.
Mahayana Buddhism
◦ The “Great Vehicle”
◦ Founded in Northern Asia (China, Japan)
◦ Believes all people can become Buddhas.
◦ Devotional- seek guidance from Bodhisattvas “wise beings” and heavenly
Buddhas.
◦ Buddhism for the masses
◦ Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightened.
Tibetan
◦ Vajrayana- “The Diamond Vehicle”
◦ A mixed of Theravada and Mahayana.
◦ Tantra (Rituals)
•Mantras (chanting)
•Mandalas & Thankas (symbolic images)
•Mudras (hand gestures)
•Budhisattvas, including living Lamas (Dalai Lama)
◦ Meditation, monasticism, wisdom, and compassion.
Thank you!