The Sects of Buddhism in Vietnam

 Origin

Born in northern India about 26 centuries ago, Buddhism quickly spread to other Asian countries, including Vietnam. On the first days in Vietnam, Buddhism had many similarities to the religion in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, etc.

Appeared in Vietnam from the 2nd to the 10th century, Buddhism deeply rooted in the people which could help to explain every single issue in the society ( ranging from life cycle to supernatural phenomenons) . From the 10th century to the 14th century, Buddhism was officially chosen by the Kings as the national religion, the old history once depicted the country in peaceful scenes with many pagodas and monks were seen in everywhere. In the Lý dynasty, there were prominent Buddhist named Vạn Hạnh. To the Trần Dynasty, the most prominent was the formation of a new Zen sect in Vietnam that was Truc Lam Meditation, founded by King Trần Nhân Tông.

1. Mahajana

After being taken over by the Ming dynasty, Vietnam Buddhism had endured a great pain which was the cleansing and burning of Buddhist scriptures. Then, Vietnam Buddhism imprinted the strokes of the Mahajana teachings, from the forms of practice, costumes, classics and pagoda architecture.

2. Theravada

In the land of the Mekong Delta, there was a kingdom of Phu Nam (from the 1st century to the 6th century, with the legacy of the Oc Eo Culture). This kingdom was quite strong in the military and the organization, directly influenced by Brahmanism (the ancient religion of India). After being overthrown by Chan Lap (Cambodia now), the land had become more desolate than ever before. There was a few Khmers inhabited on hills and most of them followed Theravada Buddhism, with was similar to Cambodia ( Bien Ho Lake) and Thailand religion.

Differences

1. Mahajana: 

+ in North Asian countries : China, Tibet, Japan, South Korea and North Vietnam

+ usually builds pagodas according to Vietnamese traditional architecture combines with Chinese architecture

+ worships Bodhisattva, Buddha, Arhat, other pagans

2. Theravada : often builds Ang-kor architecture pagodas

+ in South Asian countries: Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam.

+ offen builds the temples with Ang-kor architecture styles.

+ only worships Shakyamuni in different postures