Buddhism Before 1850 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Buddhism Before 1850 - Essay Example The three major sects of Buddhism are the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana. A schism at the second Buddhist Council in 443-379 BCE, led to the formation of the Mahayana sect. In addition to the Tipitaka, this sect also gives importance to the sutras as a precept for life and is relatively liberal in its beliefs. Emphasis is given to Bodhisattvas or living saints. At the third Buddhist Council of 247 BCE, a second schism resulted in the Theravada sect in which the Tipitaka is the main scripture. According to this school, total renunciation is the way to salvation. The Vajrayana school developed from 320-100 and is characterized by the use of mantras – incantations, and tantras – mystic symbols. In addition to the three main schools of Buddhism, there are two other contemporary lines of belief in China and Japan: Pure Land, or Jodo and Ch’an or Zen (Tamney, â€Å"Buddhism†). Buddhism spread during the reign of Emperor Asoka in 247 BCE. Asoka sent emissarie s to Sri Lanka Burma, Afghanistan and even Egypt and Greece. 65 CE witnessed the entry of Buddhism into China and Thailand. Vietnam was entered in the second century, followed by Korea in 372, Nepal in the fourth century, Java, Sumatra and Borneo in the fifth century, Cambodia in the fifth century and Japan in 552 CE. Buddhism spread to Tibet in 641 CE. In all the countries of its adoption, Buddhism experienced its highs and lows due to repression and persecution by some rulers, and violent encounters with Islam.