The numerous institutional and ideological divisions of Buddhism that have existed from ancient times to the present are known as Buddhist schools. The classification and nature of various doctrinal, philosophical, or cultural facets of Buddhist schools is hazy and has been interpreted in a variety of ways, owing to the sheer number (perhaps thousands) of sects, subsects, movements, and other entities that have made up or currently makeup Buddhist traditions. This article will explain to you the Schools of Buddhism which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Buddha and Buddhism

• Sakyamuni or Tathagata are other names for Buddha. He is regarded as the Buddha's founder.
• He left the palace at the age of 29 in pursuit of tranquillity and an awareness of the world's troubles.
• He acquired enlightenment at the age of 35, on Vaishakha Purnima, in what is now known as Bodh Gaya.
• Before his first disciples, he spoke his first sermon in a deer park in Sarnath.
• From the moment of his enlightenment until his death at the age of 80, Buddha preached his vision, at which point he begged that his students not choose a leader but instead lead themselves.
• Following the Buddha's death, various Buddhist schools of thought arose in an attempt to preserve his teachings and respect his example.
• Each school claimed to embody Buddha's original vision, which they continued to do in the modern period.
• Although Buddha is supposed to have requested that no leader be appointed to lead anything akin to a school after his death, this request was disregarded, and his disciples appear to have soon institutionalised Buddhist philosophy with rules, regulations, and a hierarchy.

Schools of Buddhism

• There may have been a united picture of what Buddha had taught at originally, but conflicts over what constituted the "real teaching" led to fragmentation and the formation of various schools:
  • Mahayana Buddhism
  • Hinayana Buddhism
  • Theravada Buddhism
  • Vajrayana Buddhism
  • Zen Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

• Mahayana Buddhism is the world's largest Buddhist sect, and its doctrines and practices are today's "Buddhism" for most non-adherents.
• Mahayana Buddhism flourished around 500 BC.
• According to history, three Buddhist Councils were formed to resolve doctrinal differences among Buddhist leaders.
• The fourth, which took place in Kashmir, is the only one with historical proof.
• Buddhism has been split into two schools since then: Mahayana and Hinayana.
• The goal of a Mahayana Buddhist may be to become a Bodhisattva, which is achieved through the Six Perfections.
• The most popular bodhisattvas depicted in sculpture and painting are Avalokiteshvara (bodhisattva of mercy and compassion), Maitreya (the future Buddha), and Manjushri (bodhisattva of knowledge).
• The Mahayana school of Buddhism believed in the Buddha's divinity. Buddhist idol worship and Bodhisattvas who embodied Buddha Nature were encouraged by the sect.
• The Mahayana teaches that the law of karuna / compassion is more important than the law of karma.
• Mahayana upholds the values of the Bodhisattva / saviour, who is concerned with the salvation of others.
• India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia, among other locations, practise Mahayana Buddhism.

Hinayana Buddhism

• Hinayana Buddhism grew in popularity around 250 BC.
• A lesser vehicle is frequently referred to as an abandoned vehicle or a faulty vehicle. It adheres to Buddha's original teachings, also known as the Elders' Doctrine.
• The Mahayana is the other of Buddhism's two main branches. Teachings aimed at obtaining the arhatic state.
• The majority of its concepts are based on sutras said to have been presented by the Buddha himself.
• The Hinayana teaching examines the human condition, the basis of existence, and the makeup of personality, as well as techniques for overcoming suffering.
• The ultimate goal is to achieve nirvana and be free of the suffering-filled cycle of reincarnation.
• Hinayana holds that salvation is earned through good acts and that each person is accountable for his own salvation.
• Hinayana is also known as Southern Buddhism because it is primarily practiced in countries in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Kampuchea, Laos).
• Hinayana followers generally refer to their faith as Theravada (Teaching of the Elders).

Theravada Buddhism

• The most common appellation for Buddhism's oldest school is Theravada.
• For over a millennium, Theravadins, the school's devotees, have retained their interpretation of Gautama Buddha's teaching, or Buddha Dhamma, in the Pali Canon.
• Theravada Buddhism, often known as "Teaching of the Elders," is thought to be the oldest form of Buddhism.
• Theravada adheres to the vibhajjavada idea, which means "analytical instruction."
• Arhats are Buddhists who practice Theravada Buddhism.
• Theravada Buddhism emphasizes self-liberation via one's own efforts.
• Meditation and concentration are critical steps on the path to enlightenment. The best path is to devote oneself completely to monastic life.
• Monastic communities accommodate the vast majority of Theravada monks.
• Some people join as young as seven years old, but anyone of any age can join. A novice is referred to as a samanera, and a mature monk is referred to as a bhikkhu.
• The sangha is the monastic community as a whole.
• Theravada Buddhism is practiced throughout Southeast Asia, including Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Vajrayana Buddhism

• Vajrayana Buddhism is a subset of Buddhism that developed from the Mahayana school.
• It is based on a complex intellectual and ritual structure that is meant to lead to enlightenment.
• Vajrayana is another name for Tibetan Buddhism. Mantras, dharanis, mudras, mandalas, and iconography of deities and Buddhas are included.
• Vajrayana Buddhism first appeared in India in the sixth or seventh centuries CE.
• Tantric concepts began to seep into the teachings of Buddhist institutions in Northern India, eventually leading to the formation of a new school.
• It moved from India through the Himalayas before reaching Tibet in 747 CE at the hands of an Indian monk named Padmasambhava.
• Vajrayana Buddhism is rich in symbolism and rites, the majority of which focus on the search of enlightenment.
• According to Vajrayana Buddhism, it can expedite the path to enlightenment by reducing the need for countless incarnations before attaining insight.
• This religion grew in popularity and finally became the dominant type of Buddhism in Tibet. It spread to other parts of China, Mongolia, and Japan.

Zen Buddhism

• Zen is a Mahayana Buddhist school that originated in China during the Tang dynasty as the Chan School and has since expanded into various sub-schools and branches. Zen is derived from the Japanese pronunciation.
• Zen Buddhism is a blend of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism.
• It began in China, spread to Korea and Japan, and gained popularity in the Western world in the mid-twentieth century.
• Zen techniques are compatible with all faiths and are commonly used by Christians seeking a mystical understanding of their faith, for example.
• The Indian monk Bodhidharma introduced Zen Buddhism to China in the sixth century CE.
• Zen aims to better the individual. Sitting meditation, also known as "za-zen," is employed as a foundational practice.
• Meditation is the primary differentiating feature of this Buddhist practice.
• The central tenet of Zen Buddhism is that all humans are Buddha, and all they need to do is realise it for themselves.

Mahayana - Hinayana-Vajrayana - Differences

Conclusion

It is impossible to say which, if any, of these schools is closest to the Buddha's original vision. Siddhartha Gautama himself wrote nothing down, but instead lived his ideas and tried to aid others in their hardships, as have many great spiritual people throughout history whose followers eventually formed a religion in their honour. However, the Buddha developed a belief system that today has over 500 million members and has, for centuries, provided people with a way toward peace of mind and inspiration to serve others.

FAQs

Q1: What are the main schools of Buddhism?

Q2: What distinguishes Theravada Buddhism from other schools?

Q3: What is the focus of Mahayana Buddhism?

Q4: How does Vajrayana Buddhism differ from Theravada and Mahayana?

Q5: What role do texts play in the different schools of Buddhism?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of Theravada Buddhism?

(a) Emphasis on Bodhisattva ideals

(b) Use of mantras and rituals

(c) Adherence to the Pali Canon

(d) Focus on compassion for all beings

2. Which school of Buddhism is known as the "Great Vehicle"?

(a) Theravada

(b) Vajrayana

(c) Mahayana

(d) Zen

3. Vajrayana Buddhism is primarily associated with which region?

(a) Southeast Asia

(b) China

(c) Tibet

(d) India

4. What is a key practice in Vajrayana Buddhism?

(a) Meditation on the Four Noble Truths

(b) Chanting of mantras and rituals

(c) Strict adherence to monastic codes

(d) Study of the Pali Canon

5. The Bodhisattva ideal is primarily associated with which school of Buddhism?

(a) Theravada

(b) Mahayana

(c) Zen

(d) Pure Land

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Compare and contrast the main schools of Buddhism, highlighting their beliefs and practices.

Answer: Buddhism has evolved into several distinct schools, primarily Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each offering unique interpretations and practices. Theravada Buddhism, often considered the oldest school, emphasizes individual enlightenment through strict adherence to the Pali Canon and the Four Noble Truths. It encourages a monastic lifestyle and meditation as pathways to Nirvana. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism expands on the teachings of the Buddha, promoting the Bodhisattva ideal, where practitioners aspire to attain enlightenment not just for themselves but for all beings. This school introduces various texts, such as the Lotus Sutra, and emphasizes compassion and altruism. Vajrayana Buddhism, which evolved from Mahayana, incorporates esoteric rituals, mantras, and tantric practices, aiming for rapid enlightenment. It is heavily practiced in Tibet and is characterized by its unique blend of Buddhist and indigenous beliefs. While all schools share core principles, their differing focuses on individual versus collective enlightenment, texts, and practices highlight the rich diversity within Buddhism.

Q2: Discuss the significance of the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism and its impact on Buddhist practice.

Answer: The Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana Buddhism, representing a profound commitment to achieving enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. This ideal shifts the focus from individual salvation, as seen in Theravada, to collective liberation, fostering a strong sense of compassion and altruism among practitioners. Bodhisattvas are viewed as enlightened beings who delay their own Nirvana to assist others in their spiritual journey. This approach has significantly influenced Buddhist practice by encouraging acts of kindness, charity, and community service, shaping the moral and ethical framework within which Mahayana Buddhists operate. Moreover, the Bodhisattva path has led to the development of numerous devotional practices, rituals, and texts that celebrate this ideal, fostering a rich tradition of artistic expression, literature, and philosophical discourse. The emphasis on compassion and interconnectedness has also enabled Mahayana Buddhism to adapt and integrate diverse cultural elements as it spread across Asia, making it a dynamic and inclusive tradition.

Q3: Evaluate the role of texts in the different schools of Buddhism and their significance in shaping Buddhist thought.

Answer: Texts play a crucial role in the various schools of Buddhism, serving as the foundational sources of teachings, practices, and doctrinal formulations. Theravada Buddhism relies primarily on the Pali Canon, which contains the original teachings of the Buddha, including the Suttas, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma. This canon shapes Theravada thought and emphasizes personal meditation and ethical conduct. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism encompasses a broader range of texts, including the Mahayana Sutras, which introduce new teachings such as the Bodhisattva path and the concept of emptiness. These texts encourage a more compassionate and inclusive approach to spirituality. Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates both Mahayana texts and unique Tibetan scriptures, emphasizing rituals, mantras, and teachings that facilitate rapid enlightenment. The interpretation and authority of these texts differ across schools, shaping their respective beliefs and practices. Ultimately, the diverse textual traditions within Buddhism reflect the adaptability of Buddhist thought, allowing it to engage with and respond to varying cultural contexts and philosophical inquiries throughout history.

Previous Year Questions on  Schools of Buddhism

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

Question: Which school of Buddhism is characterized by the Bodhisattva ideal?

a) Theravada

b) Mahayana

c) Vajrayana

d) Zen

Answer: b) Mahayana

Explanation: The Mahayana school of Buddhism is characterized by the Bodhisattva ideal, which emphasizes seeking enlightenment for oneself and for all sentient beings.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021

Question: Discuss the influence of the Theravada and Mahayana schools on Buddhist practices across Asia.

Answer: The Theravada and Mahayana schools of Buddhism have significantly influenced Buddhist practices across Asia, each contributing unique elements to the tradition. Theravada, prevalent in Southeast Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, emphasizes individual meditation, adherence to monastic rules, and the teachings found in the Pali Canon. This school has fostered a strong monastic community and a focus on personal enlightenment. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism, which has spread across East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal and collective salvation. This has led to the development of various devotional practices, rituals, and a rich tradition of artistic expression, such as temple architecture and iconography. The influence of both schools has resulted in a diverse tapestry of Buddhist practices, beliefs, and cultural expressions, allowing Buddhism to adapt and thrive in different cultural contexts while maintaining its core teachings.