Buddhist communities share connections to the Buddha’s teaching while differing in texts, practices, lineages and cultural expression. The labels here are an orientation, not a ranking.
- Theravāda: traditions drawing especially on the Pāli canon, with diverse approaches to study, ethics and meditation.
- Mahāyāna: a broad family emphasising the bodhisattva path; Chan, Zen and Pure Land are among its traditions.
- Vajrayāna: practices within a Mahāyāna framework, especially associated with Tibetan Buddhism and also other lineages. Some practices require specific instruction and empowerment.
These categories overlap and do not capture every community. Read a teacher’s own explanation. Start with open introductory teachings; ask about prerequisites before undertaking specialised practices.
Try it today
Explore one introductory resource from a tradition you know less about, with curiosity and respect.
A moment to reflect
Which practices are open to beginners, and which should be learned with a qualified teacher?
Explore the sources
These are introductory summaries, not quotations or replacements for the original teachings.
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