Number of Sects or Schools of Thought in Buddhist Texts

There are various sects or schools of thought mentioned in Buddhist texts, which are briefly discussed below.

Theravada

Theravada is the oldest school of Buddhism, which originated in India and is still prevalent in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

Mahayana

Mahayana is the second major school of Buddhism, which originated in India and spread to China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Tibet.

Vajrayana

Vajrayana is a sub-school of Mahayana, which is prevalent in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Zen

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, which originated in China and is popular in Japan.

Nichiren Buddhism

Nichiren Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, which originated in Japan.

Pure Land Buddhism

Pure Land Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, which originated in China and is popular in Japan.

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is a school of Vajrayana Buddhism, which originated in Tibet.

Thien Buddhism

Thien Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, which originated in Vietnam.

Ch'an Buddhism

Ch'an Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, which originated in China.

Conclusion

Buddhist texts mention 64 schools of thought or sects, which have different beliefs, practices, and traditions. These schools of thought have developed over time and have spread to different parts of the world. The diversity of Buddhism reflects the richness and complexity of human experience and spirituality.

Eighteen schools, the division of the Buddhist community in India in the first three centuries following the death of the Buddha in c. 483 bc. Although texts speak of the “18 schools,” the lists differ considerably; and more than 30 names are mentioned in various chronicles