Growth and Changes in Buddhism
Buddha’s followers were monks. They lived apart from the world, in monasteries. They shaved their heads, wore orange robes, and lived a Buddhist life.
About a hundred years after Buddha died. His followers started writing his teachings down in books called sutras. Soon after this, Buddhism split into two branches, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada is the branch of Buddhism most common in Thailand, The Theravada Buddhists believe each person should strive to reach nirvana on his or her own. The Mahayana Buddhists believe Buddhists should seek help from bodhisattvas. A bodhisattva is someone who has already reached enlightenment