Are there many differences between the lives of a Theravada and Tibetan monk?
The main differences stem from the fact that Theravada sticks as close as possible to the actual teachings of the Buddha as remembered by those closest to him, whereas Tibetan Buddhism is a type of Mahayana Buuddhism which has been adapted so as to be more palatable and understandable in a particular culture. Basically, in Tibetan there is more emphasis on a guru figure and upon beliefs in spirits; and a concentration upon the Bodhisattva ideal. Both groups would, however, say that their similarities were much more important than the differences.
