Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism | World History | Khan Academy

Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are two major schools, emphasizing personal journeys or collective assistance to achieve nirvana. Theravada focuses on individual enlightenment, while Mahayana encourages helping others as bodhisattvas. Both share beliefs in samsara and nirvana, but differ in practices and teachings. Buddhism is predominantly practiced in Southeast Asia and China.