Transcript Sects of Buddhism

Sects of Buddhism
Theravada
 Based on oldest known Buddhist writings
(Pali Canon)
 Best way to achieve nirvana is to become a
monk or nun
 Find individual path to enlightenment
 Mostly SE Asia (ie Thailand, Sri Lanka)
Mahayana
 Anyone can achieve enlightenment
 Can get help from bodhisattvas – people who
have achieved enlightenment but have not
passed to nirvana
 China, Korea, Japan
Tibetan
 Shares many tenets of Mahayana
 Believe you can use special techniques to
harness spiritual energy and achieve nirvana
in a single lifetime
 Tibet, Nepal