Major Branches of Buddhism

• Theravāda Buddhism ("The School of the Elders")
  The oldest form of Buddhism, dominant in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia.
  Follows the Pali Canon (Tripitaka) as the main scriptures.
  Focuses on meditation (Vipassana) and monastic life.
  The goal is nirvana (liberation from suffering) through self-discipline.
  
• Mahāyāna Buddhism ("The Great Vehicle")
  Found in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam.
  Emphasizes compassion (Karuna) and the Bodhisattva path.
  ncludes Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tiantai Buddhism..
• Vajrayāna Buddhism ("The Diamond Vehicle")
  Practiced in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal.
  Uses tantric practices, rituals, and mantra chanting.
  Key figures include Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhist masters.





Core Teachings of Buddhism




• The Four Noble Truths
  Dukkha (Suffering) – Life is full of suffering and dissatisfaction.
  Samudaya (Cause of Suffering) – Suffering is caused by craving (tanha) and attachment.
  Nirodha (End of Suffering) – It is possible to overcome suffering and attain nirvana.
  Magga (Path to End Suffering) – The Noble Eightfold Path leads to liberation..
• The Noble Eightfold Path (The way to enlightenment)
  Right View – Understanding life’s impermanence.
  Right Intention – Developing kindness and compassion.
  Right Speech – Avoiding lies and harmful words.
  Right Action – Living ethically (non-violence, honesty).
  Right Livelihood – Earning a living in a moral way.
  Right Effort – Developing good thoughts and habits.
  Right Mindfulness – Being aware of the present moment.
  Right Concentration – Practicing meditation.




Buddhist Scriptures & Texts




• Pali Canon (Tripitaka) – Theravāda Buddhism
  The oldest Buddhist scriptures.
  Written in Pali language
  .Divided into:
  Vinaya Pitaka (Monastic rules) .
  Sutta Pitaka (Teachings of Buddha).
  Abhidhamma Pitaka (Buddhist philosophy).
• Mahayana Sutras – Mahayana Buddhism
  Lotus Sutra – Teaches the universality of enlightenment
  Heart Sutra – Describes the concept of emptiness (Śūnyatā).
  Diamond Sutra – Discusses impermanence and wisdom.
• Tibetan Buddhist Texts – Vajrayana Buddhism
  Kangyur – The words of the Buddha.
  Tengyur – Commentaries by Buddhist scholars.
  Includes tantric texts and meditation guides.





Benefits of Buddhist Studies



Deepens Self-Awareness – Understanding concepts like impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta) helps in self-realization.
Develops Inner Peace & Compassion – Buddhism promotes non-violence (ahimsa), kindness, and loving-kindness meditation (metta bhavana).
Enhances Language Skills – Many students learn Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Chinese to read original Buddhist texts.
Develops Critical Thinking – Concepts like dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) and emptiness (śūnyatā) challenge conventional thinking.
Enhances Language Skills – Many students learn Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Chinese to read original Buddhist texts.
Improves Physical Health – Studies show meditation helps in lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, and reducing chronic pain.
Supports Ethical & Sustainable Living – Concepts like right livelihood encourage careers that are eco-friendly and ethical.
Career Opportunities in Buddhist Studies



Become a professor, historian, or researcher in Buddhist philosophy.
Work in universities, think tanks, and Buddhist institutes..
Join a Buddhist monastery and become a monk or nun.
Become a certified meditation instructor.