What is the meaning of Buddhism? Buddhism means method. What is the meaning of Buddha? Buddha means achievement, it means you are. Buddhism is the method for achieving your unchangeable happiness, for liberating your endless happiness.
There are many different ways to practice Buddhism, but they can be summarized in three ways: Renunciation Buddhism, Transformation Buddhism, and Realization or Recognition Buddhism.
One practice is to renounce whatever makes you unhappy. This is like Theravada Tibetan Buddhism. Transformation Buddhism is like the Tantrayana teachings and Realization Buddhism is like Dzogchen.
Another way to describe Buddhism is that all the teachings can be summarized by these four paths: Buddhist practice with meditation, without meditation, with sleep practice, or with recognition/realization practice. An example of a practice with meditation is Tummo. A way to practice Buddhism without meditation is Phowa, union practice with yab yum practice. Sleep practice is dream meditation and clear light meditation done during sleep. Recognition/Realization practice is Bardo meditation and then death.
Since everyone has a different character, Buddha taught the dharma in different ways depending on the person’s character. It is possible to practice Buddhism all the time. Every moment is an opportunity to practice Buddhism. This is why we say Buddha is such a great teacher—because he made it possible to teach at all different levels to all kinds of people.
To further conclude Buddhism, wisdom is the principle and the method is compassion. When we practice Buddhism, we need to practice both wisdom and method inseparably.