Can there be different views within the same religion?

Answer 1

There are 3main schools of thoughts in Buddhism; Theravada, Mahayana and Varjayana. In the Theravada shool of thought, the theravadians believe in self-enlightenment where they perfect themselves with morality, meditation and insight in order to gain enlightenment themselves. The Mahayanas believe that in their course of enlightenment themselves they vow to help others to the stage of enlightenment as well while the Varjayana believe that not only to bring others to enlightenment but also have the power to do that. When the perfectly enlightened Lord Buddha attained the stage of enlightenment He questioned Himself as to whether His fellow humans can understand His Teaching or the Way of life to get out of the suffering state of mind, Samsara. He was coaxed by His followers that althought not all humans can understand His Teaching there is a very few who could. Lord Buddha proceeded to teach these very few to attained enlightenment by themselves. This is the birth of Therava Buddhism. To attain Wisdom you need to meditate in order to realise the true nature of things and to meditate you need a pure state of mind and to uphold this pure state constantly you need to conduct yourselves morally. Therefore morality is an important stepping stone to wisdom. Later where morality became more and more focused, great compassion was greatly generated and the wish to help others along as we seek enlightenment became part of Buddhism. The birth of Mahayana was born. The birth of Varjayana was largely due to the empowerment of the energies in the process of concentration, where you are empowered not only by the natural elements but also the linage with supreme beings. You must note that Lord Buddha teached not only humans but beings of formless realms, including gods and deities.