From my understanding, there was only one Shakyamuni Buddha and he handed down a certain set of teaching about the cause, effect, and cessation of suffering. Where did all the different kinds of Buddhism come from? It's confusing when trying to pick a path and confusing when trying to learn.
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History of Buddhism
@Shoshin1 I tried to click the link and it won't let me 😥
Try this one
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Buddhism#Establishment_of_Sri_Lanka_Buddhism
Basically they all focus on aspects of the complete teaching of the Buddha, as far as I understand. Pure Land has just a handful of sutra’s it considers key for example.
Hi @JohnCobb
The Buddha gave 84,000 teachings.
He gave different teachings to different people depending on their capacity to understand.
This is part of the reason that has been put forward for the different schools.
Also, some branches of Buddhism appear to be a blend of a previously practiced religion in an area and Buddhism.
You could spend the rest of your life shopping around trying to settle on a certain practice but i don’t advise it (speaking from experience) hehe
That said, I think whatever schools of Buddhism you choose to study, there is always something there to learn. It is difficult to really waste your time. It depends on what teachings resonate with you.
@Kerome is right.
You could visit my website … but probably better to start your own
https://cundi.weebly.com/
You could call it … well whatever resonates …
hotspringsbuddha.com is probably available …
I am hoping your name is John Cobb. Good initials …
Hallelujah as we heretics say …