Types of Buddhism

What are some different types of Buddhism?

SHIN: Also known as Jodo. The most widely practiced branch in Japan. Beliefs based on Mappō; as people age, it is more difficult to follow the teachings of the Buddha and achieve enlightenment.
ZEN: A branch of Mahayana Buddhism with an emphasis on meditation, called Zazen, in hopes of achieving enlightenment. Zen originated in China and then branched to Vietnam, Korea and Japan. It eventually made its way to Europe and North America.
MAHAYANA: One of the two largest branches of Buddhism. Some claim Mahayana to be a branch started by the Buddha, himself, that is not proven. It's origins lie in India, and later expanded to other parts of Asia. Today, Mahayana has expanded worldwide. The Mahayana have the ultimate goal of becoming bodhisattva.
THERAVADA: The other very large brach of Buddhism. It is the oldest surviving branch, and focuses on reaching four levels of spiritual attainment: Stream-Enterers, Once-Returners, Non-Returners, and Arahants, in that order. It is currently widely practiced in SE Asia, in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Singapore, to name a few.
NICHIREN: Based on the teachings of Japanese Monk, Nichiren. It's beliefs contrast those of other schools, as Nichiren believed that everyone already had Buddha-like nature, and therefore enlightenment could not be attained. It is currently practiced in SE and E Asia, India, and other parts of Asia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodo_Shinshu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren_Buddhism