An Overview of Buddhism Course 101 Book & CD by Richard Sears

Buddhism is a vast collection of teachings that has developed in Asia for over 2,500 years. Countless millions of people have devoted their lives to the study and practice of this rich tradition so that they could help themselves and others to find peace and understanding in their lives. Under the name of Buddhism came a deep and profound collection of teachings in such things as science, philosophy, psychology, culture, art, and religion.

There are three main branches of Buddhism (bukkvo 1). The oldest is known as the Theravada ("The Way of the Elders"), and is sometimes referred to as the Hinayana ("Small Vehicle" shojo). As the philosophy developed and became more complex, the Mahayana ("Great Vehicle" daijo * #) came into being. In buddhism's final phase of development, a new set of teachings known as the Vajrayana ("The Diamond Vehicle" kongojo) was developed.

These three yana ("paths" or "vehicles") should not be seen as exclusive of the others, but rather as concentric circles.

Mahayana contains all of the teachings of the Theravada, and Vajrayana contains all of the teachings of the Theravada and the Mahayana. There is no real rivalry between the schools of Buddhism. All of the differing schools of Buddhism, and even other religions, are respected for the possibilities they bring toward helping all to achieve peace their lives.