Buddhism is following the path to Enlightenment or nirvana, by following the teaches of Buddha. They place an emphasis on separating yourself from worldly concerns, which cause suffering. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path sum up the basic beliefs of Buddhism. However, there are several different Buddhist sects.

.7% of American adults identify
as Buddhist

BUDDHISM

-Focuses on meditation for achieving enlightenment
-does not encourage rituals, scripture reading, or good works as a way of achieving enlightenment.
-All humans have the potential for being enlightened

Around .3%

Zen or Cha'an

Theravada

-means "Way of the Elders" in Pali
- believe that enlightenment can only be achieved by doing exactly what Buddha and his first followers did

Around .3%

Tibetan

-lead by the Dalai Lama
-contains aspects of religions native to Tibet, especially Bön
-has a large groups of gods and spirits
-believe in the reincarnation of the lamas

Around .3%