The Subdivisions of

Buddhism
By Michael Orton & Mark Paley
What are the Subdivisions of Buddhism?
There are two main subdivisions of Buddhism today, known as Theravada and
Mahayana Buddhism. In this presentation, we explain the teachings of Mahayana
Buddhism and one of its subdivisions, Tibetan Buddhism.
Mahayana
Buddhism
Map of the Mahayana
What is Mahayana Buddhism?
Mahayana Buddhism is a collection of Buddhist traditions including Tibetan
Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism. Mahayana and its
counterpart, Theravada, are both deeply rooted in the basic teachings of the
historical Buddha, and both emphasise the individual search for liberation from
the cycle of samsara (birth, death, rebirth...). Their methods or practices can be
very different.
The Bodhisattva
Mahayana talks a great deal about the bodhisattva (the
'enlightenment being') as being the ideal way for a
Buddhist to live.

Anyone can embark on the bodhisattva path. This is a way

of life, a way of selflessness; it is a deep wish for all
beings, no matter who they are, to be liberated from
suffering.

Bodhisattva is the Sanskrit term for anyone who,

motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhicitta,
which is a spontaneous wish to attain buddhahood for the
benefit of all sentient beings.
The Bodhisattva Vow
However innumerable sentient beings are, I vow to save
them.

However inexhaustible the defilements are, I vow to

extinguish them.

However immeasurable the dharmas are, I vow to

master them.

However incomparable enlightenment is, I vow to

attain it.
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism combines the beliefs of Mahayana Buddhism with beliefs of Tantric
and Shamanic religions, and an ancient Tibetan religion called Bon.

Tibetan Buddhism is known as a religion in exile because it was forced from its
homeland when the Chinese conquered Tibet.

At its peak, it was thought that one in six Tibetan men were buddhist

monks.
The Face of Tibetan Buddhism: The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is known as his holiness. In Tibetan buddhism, a Lama is
similar to a teacher who guides students in their buddhist practices. The Dalai
Lama would be the equivalent of the pope in Christianity

The current Dalai Lama is the fourteenth Dalai Lama known as Tenzin Gyatso.
History
Buddhism came to Tibet in the end of the eighth century, It was brought from
India from the Tibetan king, Trisong Detsen. He had two Buddhist monks come
and translate the major Buddhist writings into Tibetan.
Practices
The practices of Tibetan Buddhism include many yogic techniques and practices.
They combine Buddhist beliefs with their own Tibetan gods who remain
prominent figures in Tibetan Buddhism.

The Metaphysical context of Tibetan Buddhism has helped it develop a strongly

artistic tradition.
Works Cited
Rubin, Ph.D. Jeffrey B. Reflections on The Way of the Bodhisattva, by Shantideva. Rewire Me, 23 Mar. 2017

www.rewireme.com/happiness/book-review-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-by-shantideva/.

BBC - Religions - Buddhism: Mahayana Buddhism. BBC News, BBC,

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/mahayana.shtml.

The Office of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama | The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama,

The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, www.dalailama.com/biography.

BBC - Religions - Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhism.

BBC News, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/tibetan_1.shtml.