{"id":29629,"date":"2026-09-09T18:10:23","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T12:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=29629"},"modified":"2026-09-09T18:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T12:40:23","slug":"sects-of-buddhism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sects-of-buddhism\/","title":{"rendered":"Sects of Buddhism, Mahayana, Hinayana, Vajrayana, UPSC Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sects of Buddhism<\/strong> emerged from differences in doctrine, monastic discipline, and religious practices after the Buddha\u2019s death. The Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali is traditionally associated with the early division of the Buddhist community, which gradually led to the emergence of diverse schools and traditions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The development of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana expanded Buddhism\u2019s philosophical and cultural influence across Asia. However, sectarian divisions, doctrinal differences, changing political patronage, and competition from other religious traditions contributed to the decline or disappearance of several early Buddhist schools, particularly in India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sects of Buddhism Background<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The emergence of sects of Buddhism can be traced to the period after the Buddha\u2019s death, traditionally dated to c. 483 BCE, when differences emerged within the Sangha. The Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali (c. 383 BCE) became an important turning point due to disagreements over 10 monastic practices. The divisions became more pronounced during the 3rd century BCE, particularly around the period of <\/span>Ashoka <\/a><\/strong>(c. 268\u2013232 BCE).<\/span><\/p>\r\n