The Split in Buddhism

A detailed Summary of The Split in Buddhism


In the very beginning of Buddhism's growth there was a split into to major groups: Mahayana and Theravada. The split began almost three to five hundred years after the death of the Buddha. Most historians are unsure why the split occurred. The major difference between the two is whom Buddhism identifies with the common man or the monk. Mahayana is the form of Buddhism will help make Buddhism spread because it is more acceptable to the common man. The differences of the two show how they can develop and evolve.

There are many major differences between Mahayana and Theravada. Some differences are more important in explaining why the common man is more inclined to be a Mahayanaist Those differences through by understanding the answers will enable you to see why Mahayana


The Theravada and the Mahayana both agreed to the basic teachings of Buddha except the Mahayana added elements to their Buddhism to becoming more Buddha-like or in Buddha's nature. Monks for themselves designed the Theravada school. While the Mahayana school was able to evolve to meet the common man's needs by giving him as chance not just the monk. This facet of Mahayana gave it more potential to grow. Through that growth Buddhism has spread throughout the world. That Buddhism is mostly Mahayana in essence but different because it has evolved to fit the ideals and philosophies of the people who adopt it. Being able to evolve is what makes Mahayana Buddhism better for the common man.

Who is the Buddha? The Theravada school believes that the Buddha is the first and f

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Approximate Word count = 520
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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