The Three Yanas
These are the three Yanas, or the three great sects, of Buddhism.
If we're going to compare the three yanas to western religion, I think the appropriate thing is to liken them to the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although they have essentially the same foundation, those religions have some big differences. Buddhism is the same way. And just like those religions, Buddhism has many many subsects within the three yanas. We can't suggest that these yanas are 100% separate, as each of them does penetrate the others a little. Vajrayana especially has lots of elements of the other two yanas within it. All three of these yanas have come to the west.
Hinayana is called "the path of the worthy ones". It's the oldest of the three yanas. It's said that there were 18 hinayana sects and only one, Theravada (the way of the elders) has survived into the modern era. Hinayana is pragmatic and deep-rooted. It's emphasis is on the core Buddhist teachings: the nature of the mind, meditation, suffering, impermanence, egolessness, personal development. It's based on training in mindfulness, awareness, cultivating virtue and equanimity. It's foundation is the refuge vow. Theravada Buddhism is mainly practiced in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Mahayana is called "the path of the awakened beings". It's the biggest of the three yanas and there are numerous sects within the Mahayana, to name a few: zen, pure land, tendai, nichiren, and many many others. It's founded upon the premise of combining wisdom and compassionate action. It's about serving and saving others. In the Mahayana we cultivate wisdom through the view of emptiness. We practice lojong (mind training) based on cultivating the six perfections; generosity, virtue, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. It's foundation is the bodhisattva vow. It's mainly found in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Vajrayana is called "the path of fearless engagement". It's by far the smallest of the three yanas, but it's well known because of figures like the Dalai Lama and Chogyam Trungpa. It's based on devotion to one's teacher, spiritual empowerment rituals, visualization meditations, and devotional practices that are almost like prayer. It's considered a whole hearted practice, one you engage in with all of your energy. It's foundation is samaya vows, vows of devotion to one's teacher. Vajrayana Buddhism is mainly practiced by Tibetans (many of whom don't live in Tibet) but there are also some Vajrayana branches from Japan that still exist.
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