Mahayana, or Eastern Buddhism, expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious texts and philosophies that encourage altruism and the need to live a life of universal compassion. This is central to their belief in an "Awakened mind." Practiced primarily in China, Korea and Japan, Mahayana Buddhism incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology. Mahayana Buddhism itself has splintered into two variants. Zen Buddhism, which focuses more on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance and Pure Land Buddhism which teaches that dedication to the Amitabha Buddha is required to reach Nirvana.
Although deeply influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or Vajrayana is another distinct discipline of the Buddhist faith. Also known as "tantric Buddhism," Vajrayana incorporates text and scriptures from both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras. Vajrayana teaches that it is possible to achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime without the journey of reincarnation.
The method in which one achieves enlightenment is the most significant difference between the various types of Buddhism. While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably. There are times in our lives when Jesus goes undercover. He doesn't let us recognize Himself. Why? There are tons of reasons - most of it personal. Take for example this story: Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.