Talk:Northern and Southern Buddhism

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Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought "northern" and "southern" Buddhism referred to the separation of the "Sudden" and "Gradual" schools during the 8th century in China. Northern Buddhism was led by Shen Xiu and his followers, and was marked by their belief in gradual enlightenment through study and meditation. Southern Buddhism was led by Hui Neng, the Sixth Patriarch, and propogated sudden or instantaneous englightenment.

In the context of Zen, northern and southern schools refer to the split that you are talking about. Generally applied to Buddhism, Northern and Southern refer (generally) to a distinction between Mahayana and Theravada that's described in this article. There should maybe be a note in the article about Northern and Southern Zen as well. --Clay Collier 22:14, 11 November 2005 (UTC)