What do Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism have in common?

Answer 1

Similarities are the four noble truths.

-There is suffering.

-Suffering is caused by attachment.

-There is an end to suffering.

-Suffering's end is found in the Path.

The differences are of intention and focus. (T: me; M: all)

Answer 2

1. Sakayamuni Buddha is the original and historical founder of Buddhism.

2. The Three Universal Seals, Four Noble Truths, Eight Fold Paths and Twelve Links of Dependent Origination are the basic foundation to all schools of Buddhism including the Tibetan schools of Vajrayana.

3. Three-fold training of Precepts, Meditation and Wisdom is universal to all schools.

4. Organisation of the Buddhist teachings / Dharma into three classications (Sutra, Vinaya and Sastra) is practised among the Buddhist Canons of various countries.

5. Mind over matter concept. Mind as the principal area of taming and control is fundamental to all schools.

Answer 3

Therevadan Buddhists seek enlightenment but largely to alleviate their own suffering. Mahayanan Buddhists also seek enlightenment but not only for themselves. They also have the goal of seeing all other sentient beings realize enlightenment as well.

Answer 4

actually Theravada and Mahayana are probably more similar than dissimilar especially compared to the differences between Protestant and Catholic Christians. Both follow the same teachings of the Buddha which is recorded in the Tripitaka. So the core, the actual fundamentals of Buddhism is exactly the same. There is no variation as to what the Buddha taught. What Mahayanans add to this is teachings from later Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the addition of local customs to the areas that Buddhism spread to. They also expanded the concept of a Bodhisattvas. These are not present in Theravada, though I have heard some Theravada teachings that did reference Mahayana Bodhisattvas, so there is some cross pollination.

Answer 5

both Hinduism and Buddhism share beliefs of Non violence and Compassion (dayā) . Hinduism focuses on Moksha (liberation) while Buddhism focuses on nirvana, they both are very similar in nature and properties.

Answer 6

Mahayana Buddhists believe in reincarnation and Theravada Buddhists believe in enlightenment