Theravada Theravada, the most ancient form of Buddhism, e dominant Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, Cambodia, and Laos). Its name translates to "Doctrine of the Elders," centers around the Pali scriptures, transcribed from the oral tradition taught by the Buddha. By studying these ancient texts, meditating, and following the eightfold path, Theravada Buddhists believe they will achieve Enlightenment. Strong emphasis is also placed on the monastic community and on heeding the advice of the wise.

Mahayana Developed out of the Theravada 500 years after the Buddha attained Enlightenment. Location: China Japan Korea individual schools and traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Tantric Buddhism. Focuses on compassion and touts bodhisattvas, which are beings that work out of compassion to liberate other sentient beings from their suffering, as central devotional figures.

Vajrayana (Tantric) last of the three ancient forms to develop, Location Tibet provides a quicker path to Enlightenment believe that the physical has an effect on the spiritual and that the spiritual, in turn, affects the physical. encourage rituals, chanting, and tantra techniques, along with a fundamental understanding of Theravada and Mahayana schools, as the way to attain Enlightenment.

Diffusion

Founded by Martin Luther Germany during the 1550s