Question 88: HOW DID THE FORMATION OF DIFFERENT SECTS WITHIN BUDDHISM OCCUR?

Answer: About a hundred years after the Buddha’s passing, Buddhism split into two main sects: the Mahāsāṃghika (Great Assembly) and the Theravāda (Teaching of the Elders). This division arose due to differences in the interpretation of the teachings. The Theravāda tradition has been preserved and is still practiced today in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of Vietnam.

The Mahāsāṃghika, on the other hand, gradually became more innovative, introducing bold reforms that eventually led to the development of Mahāyāna Buddhism (Maha means great; Yana means vehicle). Naturally, when it identifies itself as the “Great Vehicle” (Mahāyāna), the other sects are labelled as the “Lesser Vehicle” (Hīnayāna). Today, we often refer to the Mahāyāna tradition as “Developed Buddhism” and the Theravāda tradition as “Original Buddhism”. Mahāyāna Buddhism is predominant in countries such as China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, and Mongolia.

It appears that Theravāda Buddhism has stably maintained its traditional practices from the Buddha’s time. In contrast, Mahāyāna Buddhism has been extremely open and innovative, creating a great Buddhist sect with many legendary spiritual elements.

While Theravāda Buddhism has tried to preserve its original practices, there have been some deviations over time. For example, many pagodas in Theravāda countries have used a large number of talismans and mantras, which are seen as a form of derived spirituality while awaiting spiritual achievement from true enlightenment.

On the other hand, Mahāyāna Buddhism, with its more audacious approach, has introduced new Buddhas and different teachings, seemingly creating entirely new forms of Buddhism. However, Mahāyāna monks assert that these new Buddhas and teachings were also introduced by the historical Buddha, Śākyamuni.

Some of the notable schools within Mahāyāna Buddhism include:

Zen Buddhism focuses on using methods or techniques to trigger enlightenment, sometimes in ways that don’t align with traditional scriptures. Zen has a strong, systematic lineage that has spread across many countries.
Pure Land Buddhism advocates reciting the name of Amitābha Buddha to be taken to His Pure Land after death.
Vajrayāna Buddhism focuses on the use of mantras and rituals to quickly gain spiritual power.
Tiantai Buddhism founded by the Chinese master Zhiyi, focuses on practicing meditation with unique techniques.

There are also many other smaller schools within Buddhism that have appeared and disappeared over time.

The Author

JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…