ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sects of Buddhism

Imagine that the world is like a big pie, and everyone has their own way of slicing and eating that pie. In Buddhism, there are different ways of slicing and eating that pie, and these different ways are called sects.

One of the biggest sects of Buddhism is called Theravada. This sect believes in following the teachings of Buddha as closely as possible, and they focus on meditation and mindfulness. They also believe that monks and nuns have a special role in teaching and practicing Buddhism.

Another sect is called Mahayana. This sect focuses on the idea of the Bodhisattva, which is someone who dedicates their life to helping others become liberated from suffering. They also believe in the possibility of enlightenment for all beings, not just monks and nuns.

A third sect is called Vajrayana, which is also known as Tibetan Buddhism. This sect emphasizes the use of rituals and mantras to achieve enlightenment, and they also believe in the power of certain deities and gurus to help guide practitioners on their paths.

So, just like how there are different ways to slice and eat a pie, there are different sects of Buddhism that emphasize different aspects of the teachings and practices of Buddha. Each sect has its own unique flavor and approach, but they all share the common goal of achieving freedom from suffering and attaining enlightenment.