| Origin | Oldest form, based on the Pali Canon. | Developed later, based on Mahayana Sutras. | Evolved from Mahayana, incorporating Tantric elements. |
| Focus | Individual enlightenment (Arhatship). | Enlightenment for all beings (Bodhisattva ideal). | Speedy path to enlightenment using Tantric practices. |
| Key Concepts | Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path, Emphasis on monastic life. | Emptiness (Sunyata), Compassion (Karuna), Skillful Means (Upaya). | Tantra, Mandalas, Rituals, and Guru devotion. |
| Scriptures | Pali Canon (Tripitaka). | Large body of Mahayana Sutras. | Tantras in addition to Mahayana Sutras. |
| Practice | Insight meditation (Vipassana), adherence to Vinaya (monastic rules). | Meditation, Devotional practices, Philosophical study. | Visualization, Mantra recitation, Esoteric rituals. |
| Goal of Practice | Achieving Nirvana and escaping the cycle of rebirth. | Achieving Buddhahood for the sake of all beings. | Achieving Buddhahood in a single lifetime. |
| Notable Regions | Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia. | China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam. | Tibet, Mongolia, parts of the Himalayas. |
