Buddhism originated in India BC. Its basic truths: human life is constant suffering. Suffering is generated by desires from the flesh. To get rid of desires, you must follow the octal path of salvation.
Schools of Early Buddhism
The earliest schools of Buddhism are called Theravada, Vaibhashika and Sautrantika. Theravada is the most conservative of them. The main goal of the followers of this school was to free themselves from delusions. Representatives of the Vaibhashik school recognized the existence of the real world and the adequacy of its reflection in human consciousness. They were engaged in the study and classification of dharmas. Dharmas are a set of rules and norms necessary for maintaining cosmic order.
Followers of the Sautrantika current recognized only the sutra - the words of the Buddha - as the main material. All other sources were ignored. Many dharmas were considered by them conditional, but not real. Recognizing the existence of the objective world, they rejected its full conformity with the reflection of the world in the human mind.
Mahayana - The Latest Form of Buddhism
The Mahayana philosophical system included several currents: Zen, Yogachara, Madhyamaka, Nitirenism, Amidaism. Mahayana in translation means "the great chariot, " the basis of the teachings is the development of compassion and a special kind of wisdom. Zen Buddhism provided the opportunity to become a Buddha in your body, and not after death. A way to achieve this is through meditation and other practices.
Maadhyamaka believes that it is impossible to prove the reality or unreality of dharma. Therefore, it is worth considering that they are simply empty. There can be no truth in human assumptions; it can be found only in yogic contemplation. Also, representatives of this school recognize the existence of the real world. The course of Buddhism Amidaism is currently the most common in the Far East. Representatives of this school pay special attention to rituals.
