Different sects of Buddhism

[Spacer]

Although I consider myself a buddhist I don't know much of the differences between different sects and was wondering if anyone could enlighten me to some of the differences, especailly on Zen Buddhism which I hear quiet a bit.

[Meagain]

This can get very complicated. There are so many schools.
Go here......

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/schools.htm


This site has short sections explaining the three main schools;

Theravada: Teaching of the Elders
Mahayana: The Great Vehicle
Vajrayana: The Thunderbolt Vehicle

And another section dealing with the two major countries;

Chinese Schools: There are ten includeing Chan from which Zen developed.
Japanese Schools: There are six listed one being Zen.

There is also a section titled a Comparison of Buddhist Schools which is very good.

[Spacer]

Nice one Meagain, cheers :)

[Spacer]

After reading about all the different sects on Buddhism I fail to see the point in them, they are adding loads of dogma to what is essentially a brilliant philosophy. I practice extremely basic buddhism and wouldn't see the point in different sects. Once one is aware of the four noble truths and the eightfold path they are on the right road and don't need all this extra padding to complicate things. Do other people feel the same or am I alone in my thinking on the matter?

[Meagain]

The four noble truths and the eightfold path are the entrance way into Buddhism.


The 4 truths identify the problem and offer a solution but do not describe the means to the solution.
The means to the solution become a vast array because of the vast number of humans at different levels of development and background. It's a big world.

So your path may not be suited to others.

Buddhism is not a static method, it has been in existence for a very long time and has incorporated a large number of "other" religions and methods. This leads to many different schools.

Buddhism evolves while holding to the Truth.

The 8 fold path is pretty general.

[Greenhornet]

Spacer:

There's an excellent school of Buddhism which is secular in approach and philosphy-oriented called Shambhala that focuses on meditation & improving your life & the lives of others. They have centers all over the world and offer workshops. For more information see www.shambhala.org