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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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