What is the difference between the 3 kinds of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan)?
First, think of Buddhism and its’ practice in terms of the aim or goal of the person practicing. A small scope practitioner seeks happiness in this life and rebirth among the human or god realms. A medium scope practitioner seeks liberation for him or herself from the process of rebirth altogether and is synonymous with “hinayana” – or “small vehicle.” “Mahayana” means “great vehicle” and refers to the practices of a great scope practitioner. Theravada is a Hinayana Buddhist practice lineage. The “object of observation” of this type of practitioner is limited to their own welfare, whereas Mahayana Buddhists take into account all of the sentient beings locked into this prison of samsara. So, the “scope” is “greater” because there are countless beings in samsara. A Hinayanist, Theravadan, for example, practices for one’s own liberation, or nirvana. A Mahayanist practices for his or her own complete buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. Tibetan Buddhism falls into the categor
