Currently, there are at least five forms of Buddhism. The first is
traditional Buddhism, I have just discussed. It is the educational of the
Buddha teaching . This is original form
is rarely seen today. The other forms are deviation of this one.
The second form is religious Buddhism.
Although originally not a religion. It has become one in past few hundred
years. Today, it is difficult to deny this. Why? The external form of Buddhism
today is indeed that religion. It is no longer the educational found in
traditional way place where the cultivators had up to sixteen hours day for
both lesson and cultivation.
The third form is philosophical or academic
Buddhism often found as a course in
college. This is appropriate. Why? Buddhist education is complete university in
itself, including all branches of learning.
The forth and most recent deviation is
Buddhism as a show. It consist of a few hours of music. Singing and dancing
with a short talk in between. However, the fifth form is a deviation that has
gone too far, that of the distortion of Buddhism into a cult. This deviated
form has appeared in the last thirty to forty years.
