Theravada And Mahayana Eastern Religion ✓ Solved

Theravada And Mahayana 18surel1111c50 Eastern Religion

Although there are several hundred denominations of Buddhism, the two major early splits result in the Theravada and the Mahayana. These splits can be compared to Catholics and Protestants in Christianity in many ways. Though of the same roots of Buddhism, they differ greatly in practice and belief.

Theravada Buddhism is the oldest organized form of Buddhism. They are predominantly found in South and Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, etc.). This sect is based on the traditional monastic lifestyle of Buddha and his first followers. Traditionally, Theravada holds the arahant (enlightened monk) as the ideal to strive for. Therefore, it is believed that nirvana is usually only reached by an exclusive few (renunciates/monks) while the rest can earn merit and hopefully be reborn as a monk in the next life.

In this tradition, emphasis is on wisdom, individual discipline, renunciation, solitary practice, and seclusion. Monks spend their days focused on spiritual salvation and rely on lay Buddhists (householders) to feed and clothe them. Ideally, the householder gets great spiritual satisfaction out of giving to the monastery, similar to tithing to a church. By giving, lay Buddhists earn good merit, hoped to bring them closer to reaching nirvana.

In Theravada Buddhism, it is common for young boys to engage in a temporary celibacy/monkhood before pursuing college or a career, often for a summer. Most boys return to a lay life, but some dedicate themselves to monastic life.

Mahayana Buddhism, arising a few hundred years after Theravada, is predominant in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, etc.). This sect emerged during a time when Hindu persecution of Buddhists, alongside Muslim invasions, nearly rendered Buddhism extinct in India. Mahayana Buddhists believe that Theravada is a Little Vehicle (Hinayana), claiming it is too exclusive.

They argue that Theravada teachings miss the point that everyone can become a Buddha, not just monks. This perspective is akin to Martin Luther's criticisms of the Catholic Church, emphasizing a Universal Priesthood and the philosophy of Faith Alone during the Protestant Reformation. The Mahayana movement reinterprets old Buddhist doctrines, writes new scriptures, and implies that monastic life is not essential to achieve enlightenment. They advocate for finding peace within daily life rather than renouncing the world.

Mahayana Buddhism posits that true peace is found within the world of samsara, emphasizing that Buddha nature resides within everyone. This movement is often called the Second Turning of the Dharma because the teachings are so progressive and different. They stress the importance of serving others rather than focusing solely on individual salvation, embracing wisdom and compassion over stringent self-discipline.

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Buddhism is one of the most diverse and widespread religions globally, with several denominations representing a wide array of beliefs and practices. Among these, Theravada and Mahayana stand out as the two principal branches, each with its unique interpretations and approaches to Buddhist teachings. Understanding the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism not only provides insight into these religious traditions but also into the intricacies of their cultural and philosophical implications.

Overview of Theravada Buddhism

Theravada, often referred to as "The School of the Elders," is recognized as the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism. Primarily practiced in Southeast Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, Theravada centers around the Pali Canon, which comprises the earliest texts recorded on the Buddha's teachings. Adherents believe in the importance of monastic life, viewing the arahant, a fully awakened being, as the ideal representative of Buddhism.

In Theravada Buddhism, the path to enlightenment (nirvana) is seen as rigorous, often requiring a lifetime of dedication, study, and practice in monastic settings. Monks play an essential role in maintaining and transmitting the teachings. They rely on lay followers for material support while emphasizing the importance of merit-making through generous acts, such as providing food and necessities to the monastic community (Buddhadasa, 1990).

Practices and Beliefs in Theravada

The Theravada tradition emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path as the foundation for achieving enlightenment. This approach focuses on individual effort and self-discipline, favoring a solitary path where meditators aim to cultivate insight and wisdom (Harvey, 2013).

Overview of Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana, translating as "The Great Vehicle," emerged around the first century CE and spread across East Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Contrasting with Theravada, Mahayana Buddhism promotes the ideal of the bodhisattva—an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment (Gethin, 1998).

Mahayana teachings reinterpret earlier Buddhist doctrines, focusing on universal compassion and the belief that everyone has the potential to become a Buddha. This branch encourages participation in daily life, creating space for spiritual practice within the secular world rather than retreating into seclusion (Williams, 2009).

Practices and Beliefs in Mahayana

Mahayana Buddhism incorporates a variety of practices and beliefs, such as the veneration of bodhisattvas, chanting, and meditation. The Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri are well-known bodhisattvas whose compassion and wisdom attract great devotion from practitioners (McMahan, 2008). In addition, Mahayana Buddhism includes prominent schools like Zen and Pure Land, each with distinctive methods of practice.

Comparative Analysis

While both branches share a foundation in the teachings of the Buddha, they diverge significantly in their understanding of enlightenment and the role of monasticism. Theravada practices often prioritize renunciation and solitary meditation as keys to liberation, whereas Mahayana fosters a more inclusive approach, seeking enlightenment through community and service to others.

This fundamental difference illustrates a broader debate in Buddhism regarding the nature of individual versus collective spiritual advancement. Where Theravada sees the path to nirvana as a personal quest, Mahayana emphasizes collective awakening and the interconnectedness of all beings (Rahula, 1974).

In summary, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism represent two distinct yet interconnected paths within the larger Buddhist tradition. Their rich histories and philosophical dialogues provide a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity within the religion, inviting adherents and scholars alike to explore the ways in which these teachings can apply to contemporary spiritual practices.

References

• Buddhadasa, B. (1990). Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree: The Buddha's Teachings on Prosperity. Parallax Press.
• Gethin, R. (1998). The Foundations of Buddhism. Oxford University Press.
• Harvey, P. (2013). Introducing Buddhism. Routledge.
• McMahan, D. (2008). Rethinking Buddhism: An Introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha Taught. Grove Press.
• Williams, P. (2009). Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Keown, D. (2013). Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Kapot, M. (1996). Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations. Barns & Noble.
• Dumoulin, H. (2005). Zen Buddhism: A History. Shambhala Publications.
• Silk, J. (2006). The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.