In order to clarify the variations between the many different schools and traditions of Buddhism, the schools are often divided into the three Yanas, meaning ‘Vehicles’ or ‘Paths’. These three are: the Hinayana, Mahayana and Tantrayana. Within the various vehicles, much variation can still exist, which is further explained in the pages that deal with the traditions, like Zen and Tibetan Buddhism.
A major reason for this development of different schools within Buddhism may be that the Buddha taught for decades. Given the vast amount of teachings it is not easy to unanimously decide what the exact interpretation of all teachings should be, or even how to summarise them logically.
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Buddhism in the Eastern Himalayan sector has a special significance. Tibetan Tantric Buddhism has been introduced by Guru Padmasambhaba more than 400 years ago. The mystic Monasteries, belonging to the different sects & sub-sects of Mahayana Buddhism dominate the whole of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas. There are numbers of Buddhist Monasteries in this region of which 20 are very important. Each one has its own fascinating history, generates tremendous interest among the visitors, be it the architectural feature or the spiritual message embedded in them. The Tantric factor has added to the legends and to the beliefs of Lamaism (Tantric Buddhism). The Lamas here are believed to have the power of flying from one place to another. The colors add to mystery and so do the mask dances. Discover the culture, where only peace prevails making this the Abode of the Gods. Our specially designed monastery tours gives you an opportunity to know the every details accepts of the Tantric Buddhism & the Tibetan culture of the Eastern Himalayas while exploring the monasteries of the region. 
Eventually, under a tree in the forests of Gaya (in modern Bihar), he resolved to stir no farther until he had solved the mystery of existence. Breaking through the final barriers, he achieved the knowledge that he later expressed as the Four Noble Truths: all of life is suffering; the cause of suffering is desire; the end of desire leads to the end of suffering; and the means to end desire is a path of discipline and meditation. Gautama was now the Buddha, or the awakened one, and he spent the remainder of his life traveling about northeast India converting large numbers of disciples. At the age of eighty, the Buddha achieved his final passing away (parinirvana) and died, leaving a thriving monastic order and a dedicated lay community to continue his work. 