Buddhism subsequently spread from India
through Nepal, Tibet, southeast Asia, Japan
and lately, the West. There are 2 basic forms
of Buddhist practice; Hinayana and Mahayana.

Hinayana or Theravada is the oldest form and
follows the original teachings of Siddhartha and
reflects the path of the aspirants who seeks
nirvana for themselves.

Mahayana refers to those who seek to help
others achieve nirvana having attained realisation
themselves (?) through the help of enlightened
beings – Bodhisattvas.

As Buddhism spreads, each society and country
chose different ways to represent and encourage
it’s practice through their art, customs and
representations of Buddha.