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There are three main forms of Buddhism. They are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Though they may differ from each other, the main scriptures, or Dhamma, stays the same for all forms of Buddhism.
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Theravada Buddhism is often considered the Southern form of Buddhism because it is mostly found in the southeastern regions of Asia. The word Theravada means "the ways if the elders." Some of the countries in that area are Sri Lanka and Thailand. Followers of this form of Buddhism believe that they follow more closely to the teachings of the Buddha than the other forms of their religion. They also believe that the best way to become enlightened is to live the way that the monks and nuns live, or vinaya. The monks of Theravada Buddhism wear dark orange robes.
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Mahayana Buddhism spread north into Nepal, China and Japan and into several other northeastern countries in Asia. People who follow Mahayana Buddhism focus on helping other people. Some Buddhists who have become “enlightened” do not enter the state of nibbana in order that they can help others to become enlightened. There are many schools for Mahayana Buddhism. Some of these include Zen, Pure Land and Tibetan Buddhism. The leader of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama. The Dali Lama lives separate from his followers, in northern India. The robes of the monks and nuns of this form of Buddhism wear burgundy robes.
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