There are three branches of the Buddhist religion:
- Theravada : Considered the most conservative or orthodox branch of Buddhism, this is the most strict branch. Theravada holds closely to the original themes and teachings of Buddha. This branch is found most in Southeast Asia and is dominant in Sri Lanka.
- Mahayana : Mahayana is an altered version of Buddha's original teachings, its the least strict branch and believes enlightenment is accessible to anyone. Mahayana Buddhism believes that they should not find enlightenment for themselves but hold back in order to help others find their path to be enlightened. Most dominant in Central and East Asia.
- Vajrayana : Followers believe it to be the purest form of Buddhism that was actually practiced by Buddha which he deemed to advanced for his disciples. Most dominant in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mongolia.
- Tripitaka : The Discourses of Buddha that were collected in the first Century and arranged into three divisions of sermons.
- Sutras : Core beliefs or rules in which must be followed.