Cultural backgrounds are really important in shaping how Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism develop. This leads to different practices and beliefs in each type.

1. Where They Are Found:

• Theravada Buddhism is mostly present in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. It focuses on living as a monk and finding enlightenment on your own. This focus fits well with Southeast Asian cultures that value community and stability.
• Mahayana Buddhism is common in China, Japan, and Korea. It encourages working together and highlights the idea of the Bodhisattva—people who aim for enlightenment to help everyone. This fits with East Asian cultures that value harmony and connections among people.

2. How They Think:

• In Theravada, the teachings from the Pali Canon are highly respected, leading to more traditional views.
• On the other hand, Mahayana teachings, like those found in the Heart Sutra, discuss ideas like emptiness and how reality can seem like an illusion. These ideas show the lively and changing thoughts in the cultures where Mahayana grew.

By looking at these details, we can see how cultural settings shape the beliefs and practices of each type of Buddhism, making the whole religion richer and more diverse.