Links to Buddhism websites
| General Info |
Websites providing general information about
Buddhism and Meditation |
| Japanese |
Japanese Buddhism is mostly derived from the Mahayana
tradition but have evolved into forms that tend to be more aesthetic - and
usually more esoteric - than those encountered elsewhere. The main schools
include Pure Land, Shingon, Tendai and Zen. |
| Mahayana
|
Mahayana translates as 'great vehicle' and is the all-embracing
term for the later, more 'developed' form of Buddhism practised in Tibet,
China, Japan and other East Asian countries. The Mahayana tradition now
has many centres established throughout the world. |
| Pali |
Despite the fact that the Buddha's own native
language was probably ancient Magadhi or Apababrahmsa, Pali is important for Buddhists
because it was the language in which the most authoritative ancient Buddhist
texts were written; including the famous Pali Canon, the Tipitaka, which
comprises some two thousand 'volumes' and includes the Shorter Discourses,
the Longer Discourses and the Vinaya Code (rules of conduct for monks).
|
| Theravada
|
Theravada translates as 'the way of the elders' and
is the original form of Buddhism still widely practised in Sri Lanka, Thailand,
Burma, Cambodia and other countries of South-East Asia. The monastic life
is of fundamental importance in this tradition. There are many excellent
Theravada centres in all parts of the world. Each will have strong ties
with a particular monastery. |
| Vajrayana |
The Vajrayana originated in Tibet and is a highly esoteric, further development of the Mahayana. |
