Human world

The Three Paths of Buddhism

There are three distinct paths of Buddhism:

Theravada Buddhism - 'The Way of the Elders'

Only the Theravada branch of the Hinayana tradition has survived. The path stresses personal enlightenment, achieved through practising monastic discipline and studying the Buddhist texts (sutras).

Mahayana Buddhism - 'The Great Way'

This path focuses on enlightenment for all. The enlightened one (called a Bodhisattva) delays their nirvana to help others along the same path.

This path is very popular as it relies on devotion and meditation. Many new deities were introduced to aid meditation and help achieve enlightenment.

Vajrayana Buddhism - 'The Way of the Thunderbolt'

This path is basically the same as Mahayana Buddhism, but is a powerful and direct route. Knowledge passes directly from teacher (guru) to disciple. It is based on the teachings of the Buddhist tantras. They combine the chanting of scared mantras, advanced yoga techniques and meditation through creating images in the mind's eye to achieve this path.