Abstract:
The ancient Buddhism is known as the time before Buddhist disciples were divided into several sects in India. This could be identified as a division created by modern scholars. They indicate that Buddhist teachings of Theravāda, Mahayāna and Tantrayāna are further extension of teachings of Early Buddhism. Because of that various words have come with the intention of getting this matter clarified. Such as “Primitive Buddhism”, “Pre-canonical Buddhism or “Original Buddhism” and “Early Buddhism” have been used in the introduction of Fundamental Buddhism. In addition to that as two main classifications in Buddhism known as Northern Buddhism and Southern Buddhism, further classification based on geographical factors. The divisions of Hīnayāna and Mahāyāna could be recognized as a classification done on path of freedom in Buddhism.
