Buddhism has several major schools, each with unique interpretations of the teachings of the historical figure, Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. The two primary branches are Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada, often referred to as the "Teaching of the Elders," emphasizes individual enlightenment and is prevalent in countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand. Mahayana, meaning "Great Vehicle," focuses on the collective salvation of all beings and includes various sub-schools, such as Zen and Pure Land. This branch is more widespread in countries like China, Japan, and Tibet, where diverse practices and philosophies have developed over centuries.