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The Buddha was only one man, so why are there so many sects of Buddhism?

BuddhaOdinBuddhaOdin
edited April 2010 in Buddhism Basics
The Buddha was only one man, so why are there so many sects of Buddhism? Isn't his teachings enough?

Comments

  • TransmetaphysicalTransmetaphysical Veteran
    edited April 2010
    I'm no expert in this area, but I think that it has to do with what texts are accepted among the sects. It also has to do with when Buddhism migrates to other cultures, it blends with the native religion of that culture (sorry, but I don't consider these mixed sects as Buddhism.)
  • StephenStephen
    edited April 2010
    Each sect is a "self" comprised of history, cultural and traditional connotations, texts that they acknowledge if any, parts of other religions, rituals, etc.; Buddhism adapted to fit into many different cultures as it spread throughout Asia.

    They all teach suffering and its cessation, but go about it from different perspectives.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2010
    Jesus was only one man, but we have Catholicism, Presbytarianism, Protestantism, Anglican, Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons....

    Need I go on?
  • jinzangjinzang Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Isn't his teachings enough?

    If Buddha's teachings were enough, I'd only find sutra translations in the bookstore.
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited April 2010
    BuddhaOdin wrote: »
    The Buddha was only one man, so why are there so many sects of Buddhism? Isn't his teachings enough?

    Jesus was only one man. How come there are so many Christian denominations?
  • StephenStephen
    edited April 2010
    I think it's good that there are a few different Buddhist schools. A lot of people go with a certain religion because it goes with them; in other words, it's about striking a chord. With several choices of Buddhist school, and two differing "types" (Theravada and Mahayana), there is a greater likelihood that someone will find a Buddhist sect that resonates with their personality and that will help them commit to the study and practice of Buddhism.

    Just as long as we don't end up going the way of Christianity, which has new sects every other day. It's getting really ridiculous if you live in the USA, lemme tell ya. ;)
  • skydancerskydancer Veteran
    edited April 2010
    The Buddha taught 84,000 methods. Are we surprised there are so many schools and lineages?
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2010
    jinzang wrote: »
    If Buddha's teachings were enough, I'd only find sutra translations in the bookstore.
    Why are the Buddha's teachings not enough?
    Simply because they're dressed up in fancy covers, with famous names on the jacket, it doesn't mean they're not the Buddha's teachings....
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2010
    FoibleFull wrote: »
    Jesus was only one man. How come there are so many Christian denominations?

    (I just said that... but thanks for the backup!! :lol::lol: )
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