Subdivisions of
Buddhism
Margot Lubliner and Nash Saxton
How Many Subdivisions?
There are seven different subdivisions within Buddhism, they are Korean Zen
Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, Zen Buddhism,
Mahayana Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism.
Korean Zen Buddhism
Buddhism has been of large importance in Korea for
hundreds of years, boasting 11 million followers
around the country.
Zen, or Son Buddhism, was introduced by by a Korean
Monk named Pomnang in the 7th century, with it later
becoming the predominant form of Buddhism in the
country soon after.
After the government in Korea was replaced with a
government that favored Confucianism, Son Buddhism
began focusing on meditation practice while drifting
away from textual study.
Nichiren Buddhism
Nichiren Buddhism originated in Japan and was created by
Nichiren Daishonen, a Japanese monk.
Nichiren followers believe in ten basic principles:
Hell - a condition which appears when someone feels in despair or desperate. Hunger when someone constantly wants something, for example, to be like someone else rather
than accept their own life. Animality - is governed by instinct and may lead someone to
prey on those more vulnerable. For example, a power hungry boss may abuse his
position and treat his/her staff like slaves. Anger - encompasses traits of selfishness,
competitiveness, and arrogance. Tranquillity - is a calm state of life. Rapture - is the
pleasures one feels when one's desires are fulfilled. Learning - appears when someone
seeks new skills. Absorption is a condition based on knowledge and wisdom.
Bodhisattva - means 'disciple of the Buddha' and is a state where people have strong
concern for others which ultimately helps them to overcome their challenges.
Buddhahood - is the ultimate state to be in as it includes compassion, wisdom, and
humaneness.
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is mostly centered in Sri Lanka,
Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Burma. Followers of
Theravada Buddhism believe it is the closest to the
original teachings of Buddhism.
The teachings of this form of Buddhism suggest
there is not only one God, but various types of Gods.
Followers are expected to "abstain from all kinds of
evil, to accumulate all that is good and to purify their
mind".
Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism saw its start in China, where it then spread to Korea and Japan;
it also became popular in the West. Zen is a form of Buddhism that must be
experienced, rather than learned through scriptures and texts. Meditation is
the fulcrum of Zen Buddhism.
Zen Buddhism was brought to China by the Indian monk Bodhidharma in the
6th century CE.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism is strongest in Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and
Mongolia. Mahayana Buddhism is not a single group but a collection of
Buddhist traditions: Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan
Buddhism are all forms of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Trikaya: the three bodies of Buddha
Nirmanakaya: Buddha in his earthly body
Sambhogakaya: Buddhas body of enjoyment
Dharmakaya: Buddha is transcendent
Pure Land Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhism began in India in the 2nd century BCE. It focuses on
followers that cannot endure meditation, and prolonged rituals.
Amitabha, which means Immeasurable Light, is considered the God of Pure
Land Buddhism and is depicted as the eternal Buddha.
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism combines the essential
teachings of Mahayana Buddhism with Tantric and
Shamanic, and material from an ancient Tibetan
religion called Bon. Sadly however, when Tibet was
conquered by China, Tibetan Buddhism was forced
into exile along with the Dalai Lama: the face of
Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism includes
scriptures, advanced rituals, and the studying of
the lessons of the Dalai Lama.
Works Cited
Foster, John. "The Mists of HuangChuan." ImageKind. GreatBigCanvas, 1994. Web.
28 Mar. 2016.
"Realize Three Times." New Mentes. New Mentes, n.d. Illustration. 28 Mar. 2016.
"Relaxing Buddhist Music." Zen Moon. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
"What Are the Main Branches of Buddhism?" Asian Education. Asian Art Museum, 2012. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
"Yoga Flower Mehndi." AliExpress. N.p., 2010. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
