Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen are three significant branches of Buddhism, each with unique philosophies and practices. Theravada is known as the “Teaching of the Elders,” Theravada emphasizes individual enlightenment through strict adherence to the Buddha’s original teachings. Practitioners focus on personal liberation (nirvana) via meditation, ethical living, and wisdom. This tradition is prevalent in Southeast Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Meaning “Great Vehicle,” Mahayana broadens the path to enlightenment, aspiring to liberate all sentient beings. It introduces the Bodhisattva ideal—individuals who delay their enlightenment to help others achieve it. Mahayana incorporates diverse texts and practices, including rituals and devotion, and is widespread in East Asia, notably in China, Korea, and Japan.
A school within Mahayana, Zen (or Chan in China) centers on direct experience and meditation (zazen) to attain sudden enlightenment (satori). It de-emphasizes doctrinal study in favor of intuitive understanding, often using koans—paradoxical questions—to transcend rational thought. Zen is particularly influential in Japan.
While all three traditions share foundational Buddhist principles, Theravada focuses on individual liberation through strict adherence to early teachings, Mahayana emphasizes universal salvation and the Bodhisattva path, and Zen seeks the direct, experiential realization of enlightenment through meditation and intuition.
More: What is Buddhism? A beginner’s guide to its core beliefs
Theravada
Theravada Buddhism, known as the “Doctrine of the Elders,” is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism, primarily practiced in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. It emphasizes adhering closely to the original teachings of the Buddha, preserved in the Pali Canon, which is the only complete collection of Early Buddhist Texts in a classical Indic language.
A central figure in Theravada is the arhat, a perfected person who has attained enlightenment through personal effort. Theravada teaches that achieving enlightenment as a layperson is extremely difficult, thus placing significant importance on monastic life.
Theravada Buddhism focuses on the individual pursuit of enlightenment, encouraging followers to engage in meditation, ethical living, and wisdom to progress on the path. It upholds the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path as essential teachings.
Historically, Theravada traces its roots to the early Buddhist community’s Sthavira group. Over time, it spread to Southeast Asia, becoming dominant in regions like Myanmar by the late 11th century and in Cambodia and Laos by the 13th and 14th centuries. More: Religious or spiritual? What is the difference?
Theravada practitioners deeply revere the historical Buddha but do not worship the numerous bodhisattvas and celestial beings prominent in other Buddhist traditions like Mahayana. This distinction highlights Theravada’s focus on the original teachings and practices attributed directly to the Buddha.
Mahayana
Mahayana Buddhism emerged in India around the beginning of the Common Era and eventually became the dominant form of Buddhism in Central and East Asia. It expanded to countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, promoting a universal and inclusive approach to enlightenment. Although it once spread to Southeast Asia, it no longer holds significant influence there. More: I Ching for beginners: Learn the basics
A defining feature of Mahayana is its focus on the bodhisattva ideal. Unlike earlier forms of Buddhism that emphasized personal enlightenment, Mahayana encourages practitioners to become bodhisattvas—beings who delay their enlightenment to help others achieve liberation. This approach highlights compassion and the interconnectedness of all beings. Mahayana teaches that anyone can aspire to this path, making enlightenment accessible to everyone, not just monks or nuns.
Mahayana introduces the concept of emptiness (shunyata), building on the Buddhist idea of dependent origination. It teaches that all things lack inherent existence and that reality is interconnected. This philosophical view reduces attachment to worldly distinctions and emphasizes the illusory nature of dualities, such as good and evil.
The Mahayana tradition also acknowledges multiple Buddhas and bodhisattvas in the universe, expanding the spiritual landscape beyond the historical Buddha. Figures like Amitabha and Avalokiteshvara play significant roles in guiding and assisting practitioners.
Skillful means (upaya) is another core concept, suggesting that enlightened beings use creative methods to help others, adapting teachings to fit the needs of each individual. This adaptability contributes to Mahayana’s diversity and its broad appeal across different cultures and societies. More: Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha
Zen
Zen Buddhism is a major branch of East Asian Buddhism, widely practiced in China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. The term “Zen” comes from the Sanskrit word dhyana, meaning meditation. At its core, Zen emphasizes achieving awakening through meditation and direct experience, guided by a master. Zen teaches that enlightenment can happen in a sudden, non-conceptual way, beyond words or scriptures.
It traces its roots to Bodhidharma, a 5th-century monk who brought Buddhism to China. Zen emphasizes the importance of spiritual lineage, with teachings passed down from master to disciple. This tradition believes that the wisdom attained by the Buddha continues to shine through successive generations, often described as passing the “lamp of wisdom.” More: Achieve your purpose with a mindful coach
Unlike other Buddhist schools that focus heavily on scriptures, Zen highlights personal experience and direct insight. Practices like koan study (riddles or paradoxical stories) challenge logical thinking, pushing practitioners to reach sudden realizations about the nature of reality. This method bypasses intellectual analysis and connects deeply with intuitive understanding
Zen has also influenced various Japanese cultural arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and gardening. These practices reflect Zen’s emphasis on mindfulness and simplicity. In the 20th century, D.T. Suzuki introduced Zen to the West, interpreting it not only as a Buddhist tradition but also as a form of intuitive, creative expression relevant to all cultures.
Zen continues to evolve, blending ancient practices with modern interpretations, offering a path to spiritual growth and self-discovery rooted in the present moment. More: Religious wisdom and spiritual interpretations of mindfulness
