Buddhism, an ancient Indian religion based on Gautama Buddha's teachings from the 5th century BCE, diversified significantly as it spread across Asia, leading to three main geographical classifications: Southern, Eastern, and Northern Buddhism.

  • Southern Buddhism, largely synonymous with Theravāda, is prominent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Its adherents strictly follow the Pāli Canon, emphasizing monasticism, celibacy, and renunciation as primary paths to achieve liberation through meditation and spiritual practices.
  • Northern Buddhism generally refers to Mahāyāna traditions found across East Asia and the Tibetan Plateau, including countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Tibet. However, the term can sometimes specifically denote Tibetan Buddhism, with East Asian forms then referred to as "Eastern Buddhism."
  • These classifications highlight the distinct traditions and practices that evolved from the Buddhadhārma as it spread from the Indian subcontinent.