Buddhism Three Vehicles, India
Lord Buddha taught a philosophy to get Nirvana . His teachings founded Buddhism in India . Gradually differences of opinion among his followers about his teachings led to founding a different sect in Buddhism.
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Thus 3 vehicles or 3 sects of Buddhism were founded. In order to clarify the variations between the many different schools and traditions of Buddhism, the schools are often divided into the 3 Yanas, meaning 'Vehicles' or 'Paths'.
These 3 are: the Hinayana , Mahayana and Tantrayana. Within the various vehicles, much variation can still exist, which is further explained in the pages that deal with the traditions, like Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism.
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| Category |
Theravada |
Mahayana |
Vajrayana |
| Definition |
Also known as "The Teaching of the Elders," it is the oldest form of Buddhism focused on individual enlightenment. |
Also called "The Great Vehicle," it emphasizes compassion and the enlightenment of all beings. |
Known as "The Diamond Vehicle," it integrates esoteric practices, mantras, and rituals for accelerated enlightenment. |
| Main Scriptures |
Pali Canon (Tipitaka) |
Sutras in Sanskrit & Chinese (e.g., Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra) |
Tantras, Mahāyāna Sutras, Tibetan texts |
| Core Beliefs |
Focus on self-discipline, meditation, and wisdom to attain Nirvana. |
Emphasizes the Bodhisattva path—helping others achieve enlightenment. |
Uses rituals, deity visualization, and secret teachings to achieve enlightenment. |
| Goal |
Personal liberation (Arhatship) by following the Eightfold Path. |
Becoming a Bodhisattva and ultimately a Buddha for the benefit of all beings. |
Rapid enlightenment through esoteric teachings and practices. |
| Key Practices |
Meditation, monastic life, mindfulness, ethical conduct. |
Compassion, wisdom, chanting, Zen and Pure Land practices. |
Mantras, mudras, deity visualization, tantra, rituals. |
| Regions Practiced |
Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos. |
China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Nepal. |
Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, parts of Nepal & India. |
| View on Nirvana |
Nirvana is the cessation of suffering and rebirth (Arhat ideal). |
Enlightenment is not just personal but meant to help others (Bodhisattva ideal). |
Realization that Nirvana and Samsara are inseparable through tantric practices. |
Reason for development of different schools or sects of Buddhism
A major reason for this development of different schools within Buddhism may be that the Buddha taught for decades. Given the vast amount of teachings it is not easy to unanimously decide what the exact interpretation of all teachings should be, or even how to summarize them logically. Moreover, native traditions and Hinduism influenced the beliefs and philosophy.
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Usefulness of different paths of Hinayana Mahayana and Tantrayana
Depending on whom the Buddha would be teaching to, the explanation would be quite different and sometimes seemingly contradictory. This can be understood as skilful means; a satisfying explanation to a learned philosopher is probably too complex for an uneducated person. On top of this, the Buddha clearly stated that he did not just intend to teach a doctrine, but intended to show the path that people can follow for their own development. This intention ultimately leads to the point where every individual has to decide which practices to follow and how to interpret the teachings, rather than adhering to a fixed doctrine.
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