Two fundamental sects that arose at the time of the Buddha were the Ajivikas and the Jains . Diverging from other Buddhist denominations , both the Ajivikas and the Jains believed in the permanence of the elements that constitute the universe and the existence of the soul .
Over time , two major branches of Buddhism emerged , Mahayana (“ Great Vehicle ”) and Theravada (“ School of the Elders ”), while a third , Vajrayana (“ Diamond Vehicle ”), is considered by scholars to be an aspect of Mahayana Buddhism or an entirely separate branch .
The origins of these movements and others are complex and poorly understood . In simple terms , Theravada , which is considered the more conservative tradition , established itself in Sri Lanka around the 3rd century BCE . It teaches a monastic lifestyle that emphasises meditation as a means of achieving enlightment .
Mahayana Buddhism , the more liberal school , developed in India from around the 1st century BCE and is practised in East and South Asian countries such as China , India , Japan , Korea , Mongolia , and Tibet . The main teachings follow the role models of bodhisattvas – beings who have reached enlightenment but returned to the human company to teach .
As Buddhism spread , it encountered new reinterpretations of thought . In some Mahayana communities , strict practices were mediated . For example , the law of karma – a notion explaining that virtuous actions resulted in pleasure and non-virtuous actions led to punishment in the future – adopted a gentler approach with a new emphasis on ritual and devotional practices to achieve the same effects . This bolstered its spread and number of followers due to its heightened obtainability .
The Vajrayana tradition , also known as Tantric Buddhism , developed in India in the latter half of the 1st millennium CE . Its practices make use of mantras , chants , poses , mandalas , and the visualisation of deities and Buddhas . This movement was influenced by magical and spiritual notions of the time , and gave those who followed it an easier , simpler , and speedier means to obtain the desired spiritual liberation , purity , and enlightenment .
▾ Situated in Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka , Abhayagiri Vihara was a major monastery site of Mahayana , Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism
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