Are there different kinds of Buddhism?

Answer by  Isli (145)

Yes there are. Theravada is closest to the classic Buddhism, this is the "Middle Way" started by Siddhartha Gautama. Then there is Mahayana which includes Zen and Vajrayana. However many say Vajrayana is its own category and it includes Tibetan. There are of course branches culturally and regionally in all of these but these are the main categories.

Answer by  DavidSharif (194)

Yes. There are two main sects of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana. There is also Tibetan Buddhism, which is a mix of Buddhism and the Tibetan Bon religion. Also, many more.

Answer by  xstart (174)

Yes. In the West people are more familiar with Zen Buddhism than with the other kinds, which include: Mayahana, Theravada and Vajrayana.

Answer by  Ken56 (1160)

Yes, there are many kinds of Buddhism. For example Zen Buddhism is a Japanese version. The Dali Lama is a member of the Tibetan Buddhist sect. There are others.

Answer by  Zampano (164)

There are several kinds of Buddhism. For example, Chinese buddhism involves much more mysticism and incorporates ancestor worship and fat Buddhas, Zen Buddhism focuses on meditation and achieving Nirvana, Mahayana Buddhism also focuses on enlightenment and helping your fellow man but is more spiritual.

Answer by  BrendaG (6111)

The original or authentic Buddhism is hard to find today. Religious Buddhism is second, although Buddhism was not originally a religion, it was a lifestyle. The philosophical study of Buddhism comes in third; although the teachings are wonderful, Buddhism is more than just philosophy. Externalist Buddhism, the third kind, has come to pass in the past forty years.

Answer by  jesse222 (4)

The main principle of Buddhism in itself is to find salvation for yourself, not through the teachings of anyone else. So yes.