A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THERAVADA AND MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

Abstract

The history of Buddhism is more than two thousand years ago. For many generations, after a long period of time and the journey of spreading Buddhism in various places, these caused many Buddhist sects that changed in accordance with the terrain and the local areas. Buddhism had been improved and changed some parts in order to be easy to follow, suitable for the form and the original way of life of the local regions. Consequently, many sects of Buddhism had occurred for 18 main sects. But in the present day, there are two main sects; Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana which both sects are different in many matters due to the alteration of Dhamma which is suitable for the terrain and people’s way of life. However, all the sects are from the same Buddha although they are various. Therefore, some routines, customs or disciplines are similar. But it may be impossible that these of both sects are the same. However, both of them focus on teaching everyone to be good and free from suffering