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The Buddhist schools are those schools into which the Buddhist monastic saṅgha split in the history of Buddhism. In the beginning there were differences on Vinaya (i.e. how the monks and monasteries should be disciplined). Later there were differences in which text/ source should be adhered to, paths to enlightenment and due to spread over different geographical areas. Primarily there are two schools today, one is Hinaya which believes in meditation as path to enlightenment. The other is Mahayana which believes in idol worship. In early history, there were two schools Mahasanghikas (which later became Mahayana) and Sthaviravada.
| Council | Date | Place | King | President | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 486 BC | Rajgriha | Ajatashatru | Mahakassapa | Literature >
|
| 2 | 386 BC | Vaishali | Kalashoka | Sabkami | Dispute on Vinaya Pitaka |
| 3 | 250 BC | Patliputra | Ashoka | Mogaliputta TIssa | Addition of Abhidhamma Pitaka |
| 4 | 78 CE | Kundalvan, Kashmir | Kaniska | Vasumitra | Final Division led to Hinayana & Mahayana |
Theravada Buddhism: It is also known as the "Lesser vehicel”. It is the oldest and most conservative form of Buddhism, primarily practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
Mahayana Buddhism: It is also Known as the "Great Vehicle". It is more liberal and diverse, with practices emphasizing the bodhisattva path. It is widely practiced in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Vajrayana Buddhism: Also known as "Tantric Buddhism". It is an extension of Mahayana Buddhism, primarily practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of Russia and India.
The first split in the Buddhist order came in Second Council held at Vaishali in 386 BC. Sthaviravadins/Thervadins followed strict monastic life and rigid disciplinary laws as originally prescribed. While, Mahasangikas followed a modified/relaxed disciplinary rule. Later after the fourth Buddhist Council, Buddhism got split into Mahayana and Hinayana School. Mahasangikas had evolved into Mahayana School and Theravadins/Sthaviravadins are also called Hinayana school. As time progressed many other schools emerged.
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BCE, has evolved into a diverse spiritual tradition with various schools of thought. Over time, the Buddhist monastic community, or saṅgha, underwent splits, leading to the formation of distinct schools with differences in their day to day practices and also their doctrines.
None of the early schools of Buddhism survived beyond the late medieval period. Mahāsānghika led to the birth of Mahāyāna doctrine.
Buddhism is not a monolith. It thrives on intellectual inquiry, diverse expressions, and the constant search for new ways to understand the human condition and achieve liberation. Today, the broad distinction lies between Hinayana, emphasizing individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation, and Mahayana, promoting the ideal of the Bodhisattva who delays their own enlightenment to help others. Later, Vajrayana emerged incorporating elements of Tantric practices and rituals in Buddhism. However, amidst this diversity, a unifying thread remains – the core teachings of the Buddha on compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
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