UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission

Schools of Buddhism: A Deep Dive into the Many Paths to Enlightenment

Last Updated on Jan 06, 2024
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS

The Schools of Buddhism, with their rich history and diverse interpretations, provide numerous gateways for spiritual seekers to experience the teachings of Buddha. The quintessential teaching in Buddhism is that suffering is an inherent part of life, but it can be overcome by following a path of mental and moral development. 

Understanding the Schools of Buddhism is of immense relevance to UPSC aspirants. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) frequently asks questions about ancient Indian philosophies, including Buddhism, in its Civil Services Examination (CSE). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the 'Schools of Buddhism,' their origin, and key principles can significantly enhance an aspirant's preparation.

This article delves into the varied and fascinating world of the 'Schools of Buddhism', providing a detailed exploration of their origins, key principles, and unique characteristics.

Learn more about the Buddhist Councils!

About Schools of Buddhism

The schools of Buddhism are the various institutional and doctrinal divisions of Buddhism that have existed from ancient times up to the present. The classification and nature of various doctrinal, philosophical, or cultural facets of the schools of Buddhism is vague. It has been interpreted in many different ways, often due to the sheer number (perhaps thousands) of different sects, subsects, movements, etc., that have made up or currently make up the whole of Buddhist traditions. 

Origin of Schools of Buddhism

The origin of the various Schools of Buddhism lies in the rich historical narrative that succeeded the passing of Gautama Buddha around 483 BCE. This section, focusing on the 'Origin of Schools of Buddhism,' would enlighten us about the circumstances that led to the formation of these diverse traditions. The major schools of Buddhism are as follows:

  • Theravada Buddhism
  • Mahayana Buddhism
  • Vajrayana Buddhism

Learn more about the difference between hinayana and mahayana!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free

Three Major Schools of Buddhism

While there are many different schools of Buddhism, the three most widely recognized are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism is the oldest and most conservative school of Buddhism. It is also known as "The Way of the Elders" or "The Ancient Teaching." Theravada Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha as recorded in the Pali Canon. Theravada Buddhists believe that the goal of Buddhism is to achieve arhatship. This means liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is the most widely practiced school of Buddhism. It is also known as "The Great Vehicle." Mahayana Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha as well as on a later body of Mahayana sutras. Mahayana Buddhists believe that the goal of Buddhism is to achieve Buddhahood. It means to attain the state of complete enlightenment.

Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism is the most esoteric school of Buddhism. It is also known as "The Diamond Way" or "The Secret Mantra Tradition." Vajrayana Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha as well as on a later body of Vajrayana tantras. Vajrayana Buddhists believe that the goal of Buddhism is to achieve Buddhahood as quickly as possible. This is through the use of powerful mantras and rituals.

Learn more about the difference between Jainism and buddhism!

Other Schools of Buddhism

In addition to the three major schools of Buddhism, there are many other schools that have emerged over the centuries. These schools include:

  • Nichiren Buddhism - This Japanese school of Buddhism is based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282). Nichiren Buddhism emphasizes the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo chant as the path to enlightenment. 
  • Pure Land Buddhism - This Japanese school of Buddhism is based on the teachings of Shinran (1173-1262). Pure Land Buddhism emphasizes the saving power of Amitabha Buddha. He is said to preside over a Pure Land (Sukhavati) where all beings can be reborn and achieve enlightenment. 
  • Tibetan Buddhism - This school of Buddhism is practiced in Tibet, Mongolia, and other parts of the Himalayas. Tibetan Buddhism is a synthesis of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism. 
  • Zen Buddhism - This school of Buddhism is based on the teachings of Chan Buddhism in China. This was later transmitted to Japan as Zen. Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation and the attainment of satori (sudden enlightenment). 

Learn more about Buddhist Literature!

Difference Between Mahayana, Hinayana & Vajrayana Buddhism

The key differences between Mahayana, Hinayana and Vajrayana Buddhism are given in the table below.

Mahayana

Hinayana (Theravada)

Vajrayana

Regards Gautama Buddha as a heavenly entity who assists disciples in attaining nirvana.

Regards Gautama Buddha as a common man who attained Nirvana.

The Buddha is not regarded as a person; rather, he is a mirror to our own thinking. Tara is the primary deity (a female figure).

Allows practitioners to remain in the cycle of samsara out of compassion for others.

Focuses on individual redemption through self-discipline and meditation to attain the status of an Arhat, who has no further rebirths.

Emphasizes Tantra, Mantra, and Yantra as expedient means to liberation, involving various tantric rituals.

Believes in idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, considering them as embodiments of Buddha Nature.

Rejects idol worship and emphasizes personal spiritual upliftment.

Holds Tantra as a superior vehicle to attain liberation, utilizing tantric rituals for faster progress.

Gave rise to the concept of Bodhisattva, who postpones attaining nirvana to help others.

Focuses on individual liberation and the attainment of Arhatship.

Incorporates the practice of deity yoga and the belief in spiritual masters as the key to realization.

Found in China, (South) Korea, Japan, and Tibet.

Practiced in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

Popular in Tibet, Bhutan, and the Himalayan region.

Sanskrit was used to write Mahayana Buddhist scriptures.

Hinayana Buddhist scriptures were authored in Pali.

Sanskrit was used to write Vajrayana Buddhist scriptures.

Nalanda was a prominent Mahayana Buddhist center.

Hinayana Buddhism was centered in Nalanda and Vallabhi.

Vikramasila was a significant Vajrayana Buddhist center.

Mahayana faith had a patron in Emperor Kanishka.

Ashoka supported the Hinayana sect.

The Pala dynasty supported the Vajrayana sect.

Mahayana Buddhism believes in the existence of various realms and celestial beings.

Emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, and the Eightfold Path.

Vajrayana incorporates esoteric practices, visualizations, and deity yoga for attaining enlightenment.

Mahayana texts include the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Avatamsaka Sutra.

Hinayana texts include the Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Vajrayana texts include tantras, such as the Guhyasamaja Tantra and Kalachakra Tantra.

Mahayana places importance on compassion and the liberation of all sentient beings.

Hinayana emphasizes individual liberation from suffering.

Vajrayana focuses on the attainment of enlightenment in this lifetime and views all phenomena as manifestations of ultimate reality.

Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations and has always assured the quality of its product. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Schools of Buddhism FAQs

The key differences between the two schools revolve around their interpretation of Buddha's teachings, the ideal path to enlightenment, and the role of the monastic community. While Theravada emphasizes personal liberation through individual effort and meditation, Mahayana focuses on the universal salvation of all sentient beings.

Zen Buddhism, a sub-school of Mahayana Buddhism, uniquely emphasizes meditation (Zazen) and the direct understanding of Buddha-nature. Zen practice encourages direct, experiential realization through meditation and mindfulness during everyday activities.

In Pure Land Buddhism, practitioners recite the name of the Buddha Amitabha with sincere devotion, aspiring to be reborn in his Pure Land, a realm where attaining enlightenment is easier.

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Tibetan Buddhism is technically a form of Vajrayana Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism incorporates Vajrayana practices along with influences from Indian Mahayana Buddhism and native Bon religion.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding Schools of Buddhism is critical as Buddhism is a significant part of Indian history, culture, and philosophy. The Civil Services Examination (CSE) often includes questions about ancient Indian philosophies, including Buddhism.

Report An Error