The Classifications of Buddhism

Good day I’m joan, and I’m going to talk about the classifications of Buddhism, Budhissm is
classified as Hinayana and Mahayana. Though considered as different branches , both adhere
to some basic Buddhist beliefs such as the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the twelve
links dependent of origination, the five aggregates and impermanence. Another classification
is Vajrayana Buddhism which is the combination of both Hinayana and the Mahayan.
Hinayana Buddhism being that it’s the most conservative, very strict and more monastic branch of
Buddhism, holds most firmly to the original teachings of buddha. Hinayana Buddhism holds firmly to
buddhas belief that human existence is full of suffering, that nothing on earth is ever permanent and
that human are just part of this fleeting rather insignificant whole. For this reason, buddha taught that
nothing in this world should be held tightly or even desired. Instead he instructed his followers to stay
away from evil seek only what is good and continually work to purify their minds.

According to Hinayana Buddhism one must live ethically, meditate, and seek wisdom they are to be
taken literally and followed in one’s daily life, a person will achieve the ultimate Buddhist goal of
nirvana, which is enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. With its focus in
nirvana and its adherence to the oldest teachings of buddha, Hinayana Buddhism is often referred to as
the Path of the Elders.

Mahayana Buddhism

Differing from Hinayana Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism has made alterations to Buddhas original
teachings. Open to many, Mahayana believes enlightenment is universally accessible to everyone,
believes its followers can be reborn into a Western paradise before attaining true nirvana. This sect of
Buddhism believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and believes in Idol Worship. They believe in Mantras.
Its main principles were based on the possibility of universal liberation from suffering for all beings.
That’s why this sect is called Mahayana its principles buddhas and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha
nature. It allows salvation through having faith and committing oneself to Buddha.

Mahayana worship the bodhisattvas and read Mahayana sutras while Hinayanists do not perform these.

Mahayana Buddhism followers think that the Buddha is God because they think that the Buddha came
down to earth to help people cross the sea of life. So the buddha can be worshipped as a God because
he is eternal and comes down to earth. On the other hand Hinayana Buddhists think that The Buddha is
an ordinary person because he has many human-like characteristics such as looking like person being
born like a person, living like a person.

Himayana and Mahayana Buddhism both started of with one goal, Nirvana. But both took different ways
to get there.