What are some differences in Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer 1

Here are some informative websites that have a breif outline of the differences: The schools of Tibetan Buddhism http://dl.lib.brown.edu/BuddhistTempleArt/buddhism2.html The Buddhist schools of Mahayana and Theravada http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/schools1.htm http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot02.htmth For a table outlining the differences that is extremely straight forward check out http://www.religionfacts.com/Buddhism/fastfacts/differences_theravada_mahayana.htm

If you want more of a better explanation and detail, including info on the different schools, get The Buddhist Bible.Though we have no actual bible, this is just a great book with information from many different sources. For more go to Buddhistebooks.com and there are many other sources where you can even have actual free books shipped to you, or locate a retreat or local Budddhist Temple or Meditation Hall. namaste!

Answer 2

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TOPIC

THERAVADA BUDDHISM

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

1

The Buddha Only the historical Gautama (Sakyamuni) Buddha and past buddhas are accepted. Besides Sakyamuni Buddha, other contemporary buddhas like Amitabha and Medicine Buddha are also very popular. 2

Bodhisattvas Only Maitreya bodhisattva is accepted. Avalokitesvara, Mansjuri, Ksitigarbha and Samanthabadra are four very well known bodhisattvas besides Maitreya. 3

Objective of training Arahant or pacceka-buddha. Buddhahood (via bodhisattva path). 4

Organisation of Buddhist scriptures

The Pali Canon is divided into 3 baskets (Tipitaka): Vinaya Pitaka of 5 books, Sutta Pitaka of 5 collections (many suttas) and Abhidhamma Pitaka of 7 books.

The Mahayana Buddhist Canon also consists of Tripitaka of disciplines, discourses (sutras) and dharma analysis. It is usually organised in 12 divisions of topics like Cause and Conditions and Verses. It contains virtually all the Theravada Tipikata and many sutras that the latter does not have. 5

Concept of Bodhicitta Main emphasis is self liberation.

There is total reliance on one-self to eradicate all defilements. Besides self liberation, it is important for Mahayana followers to help other sentient beings. 6

Trikaya concept Very limited emphasis on the 3 bodies of a buddha. References are mainly on nirmana-kaya and dharma-kaya. Very well mentioned in Mahayana Buddhism. Samboga-kaya or reward/enjoyment body completes the Trikaya concept. 7

Transmission route Southern transmission: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia and parts of Southeast Asia. Northern transmission: Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and parts of Southeast Asia.

8

Language of dharma teaching Tipitaka is strictly in Pali. Dharma teaching in Pali supplemented by local language. Buddhist canon is translated into the local language (except for the 5 untranslatables), e.g. Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese. Original language of transmission is Sanskrit. 9

Nirvana

(Nibbana in Pali) No distinction is made between nirvana attained by a buddha and that of an arahat or pacceka buddha. Also known as 'liberation from Samsara,' there are subtle distinctions in the level of attainment for the three situations. 10

Sakyamuni Buddha's disciples Basically historical disciples, whether arahats or commoners. A lot of bodhisattvas are introduced by Sakyamuni Buddha. Most of these are not historical figures. 11

Rituals and liturgy There are some rituals but not heavily emphasized as in Mahayana schools. Owing to local cultural influences, there is much more emphais on the use of rituals; e.g. Rituals for the deceased, feeding of Petas, tantric formalities (in Vajrayana). 12

Use of Mantras and Mudras Some equivalent in the use of Parittas. Heavily practised in the Vajrayana school of Mahayana Buddhism. Other schools also have included some mantras in their daily lithurgy. 13

Dying and death aspects Very little research and knowledge on the process of dying and death. Usually, the dying persons are advised to meditate on impermanence, suffering and emptiness. The Vajrayana school is particularly meticulous in these areas. There are many inner and external signs manifested by people before they die. There is heavy stress in doing transference of merit practices in the immediate few weeks following death to assist in the deceased's next rebirth. 14

Bardo

This in-between stage after death and before rebirth is ignored in Theravada school.

All Mahayana schools teach this after death aspect. 15

One meal a day practice This the norm among Theravada sanghas. This is a highly respected practice but it is left to the disposition of each individual in the various sanghas. 16

Vegetarianism This aspect is not necessary. In places like Thailand where daily morning rounds are still practised, it is very difficult to insist on the type of food to be donated Very well observed in all Mahayana schools (except the Tibetans due to the geographical circumstances). However, this aspect is not compulsory. 17

Focus of worship in the temple Simple layout with the image of Sakyamuni Buddha the focus of worship. Can be quite elaborate; with a chamber/hall for Sakyamuni Buddha and two disciples, one hall for the 3 Buddhas (including Amitabha and Medicine Buddha) and one hall for the 3 key bodhisattvas; besides the protectors, etc. 18

Schools/Sects of the tradition One surviving major school following years of attrition reducing the number from as high as 18. 8 major (Chinese) schools based on the partial doctrines (sutras, sastras or vinaya) of the teachings. The four schools inclined towards practices like Pure Land/Amitabha, Ch'an, Vajrayana and Vinaya (not for lay people) are more popular than the philosophy based schools like Tien Tai, Avamtasaka, Yogacara and Madhyamika.

19

Non Buddhist influences

Mainly pre-Buddhism Indian/Brahmin influences. Many terms like karma, sangha, etc were prevailing terms during Sakyamuni Buddha's life time. References were made from the Vedas and Upanishads.

In the course of integration and adoption by the people in other civilizations, there were heavy mutual influences. In China, both Confucianism and Taoism exerted some influence on Buddhism which in turn had an impact on the indigenous beliefs. This scenario was repeated in Japan and Tibet. 20

Buddha nature

Absent from the teachings of Theravada tradition.

Heavily stressed, particularly by schools inclined practices.

#

TOPIC

THERAVADA BUDDHISM

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

1

The Buddha Only the historical Gautama (Sakyamuni) Buddha and past buddhas are accepted. Besides Sakyamuni Buddha, other contemporary buddhas like Amitabha and Medicine Buddha are also very popular. 2

Bodhisattvas Only Maitreya bodhisattva is accepted. Avalokitesvara, Mansjuri, Ksitigarbha and Samanthabadra are four very well known bodhisattvas besides Maitreya. 3

Objective of training Arahant or pacceka-buddha. Buddhahood (via bodhisattva path). 4

Organisation of Buddhist scriptures

The Pali Canon is divided into 3 baskets (Tipitaka): Vinaya Pitaka of 5 books, Sutta Pitaka of 5 collections (many suttas) and Abhidhamma Pitaka of 7 books.

The Mahayana Buddhist Canon also consists of Tripitaka of disciplines, discourses (sutras) and dharma analysis. It is usually organised in 12 divisions of topics like Cause and Conditions and Verses. It contains virtually all the Theravada Tipikata and many sutras that the latter does not have. 5

Concept of Bodhicitta Main emphasis is self liberation.

There is total reliance on one-self to eradicate all defilements. Besides self liberation, it is important for Mahayana followers to help other sentient beings. 6

Trikaya concept Very limited emphasis on the 3 bodies of a buddha. References are mainly on nirmana-kaya and dharma-kaya. Very well mentioned in Mahayana Buddhism. Samboga-kaya or reward/enjoyment body completes the Trikaya concept. 7

Transmission route Southern transmission: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia and parts of Southeast Asia. Northern transmission: Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and parts of Southeast Asia.

8

Language of dharma teaching Tipitaka is strictly in Pali. Dharma teaching in Pali supplemented by local language. Buddhist canon is translated into the local language (except for the 5 untranslatables), e.g. Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese. Original language of transmission is Sanskrit. 9

Nirvana

(Nibbana in Pali) No distinction is made between nirvana attained by a buddha and that of an arahat or pacceka buddha. Also known as 'liberation from Samsara,' there are subtle distinctions in the level of attainment for the three situations. 10

Sakyamuni Buddha's disciples Basically historical disciples, whether arahats or commoners. A lot of bodhisattvas are introduced by Sakyamuni Buddha. Most of these are not historical figures. 11

Rituals and liturgy There are some rituals but not heavily emphasized as in Mahayana schools. Owing to local cultural influences, there is much more emphais on the use of rituals; e.g. Rituals for the deceased, feeding of Petas, tantric formalities (in Vajrayana). 12

Use of Mantras and Mudras Some equivalent in the use of Parittas. Heavily practised in the Vajrayana school of Mahayana Buddhism. Other schools also have included some mantras in their daily lithurgy. 13

Dying and death aspects Very little research and knowledge on the process of dying and death. Usually, the dying persons are advised to meditate on impermanence, suffering and emptiness. The Vajrayana school is particularly meticulous in these areas. There are many inner and external signs manifested by people before they die. There is heavy stress in doing transference of merit practices in the immediate few weeks following death to assist in the deceased's next rebirth. 14

Bardo

This in-between stage after death and before rebirth is ignored in Theravada school.

All Mahayana schools teach this after death aspect. 15

One meal a day practice This the norm among Theravada sanghas. This is a highly respected practice but it is left to the disposition of each individual in the various sanghas. 16

Vegetarianism This aspect is not necessary. In places like Thailand where daily morning rounds are still practised, it is very difficult to insist on the type of food to be donated Very well observed in all Mahayana schools (except the Tibetans due to the geographical circumstances). However, this aspect is not compulsory. 17

Focus of worship in the temple Simple layout with the image of Sakyamuni Buddha the focus of worship. Can be quite elaborate; with a chamber/hall for Sakyamuni Buddha and two disciples, one hall for the 3 Buddhas (including Amitabha and Medicine Buddha) and one hall for the 3 key bodhisattvas; besides the protectors, etc. 18

Schools/Sects of the tradition One surviving major school following years of attrition reducing the number from as high as 18. 8 major (Chinese) schools based on the partial doctrines (sutras, sastras or vinaya) of the teachings. The four schools inclined towards practices like Pure Land/Amitabha, Ch'an, Vajrayana and Vinaya (not for lay people) are more popular than the philosophy based schools like Tien Tai, Avamtasaka, Yogacara and Madhyamika.

19

Non Buddhist influences

Mainly pre-Buddhism Indian/Brahmin influences. Many terms like karma, sangha, etc were prevailing terms during Sakyamuni Buddha's life time. References were made from the Vedas and Upanishads.

In the course of integration and adoption by the people in other civilizations, there were heavy mutual influences. In China, both Confucianism and Taoism exerted some influence on Buddhism which in turn had an impact on the indigenous beliefs. This scenario was repeated in Japan and Tibet. 20

Buddha nature

Absent from the teachings of Theravada tradition.

Heavily stressed, particularly by schools inclined practices.

Answer 3

Here are some informative websites that have a breif outline of the differences: The schools of Tibetan Buddhism http://dl.lib.brown.edu/BuddhistTempleArt/buddhism2.html The Buddhist schools of Mahayana and Theravada http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/schools1.htm http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot02.htmth For a table outlining the differences that is extremely straight forward check out http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/fastfacts/differences_theravada_mahayana.htm

If you want more of a better explanation and detail, including info on the different schools, get The Buddhist Bible.Though we have no actual bible, this is just a great book with information from many different sources. For more go to Buddhistebooks.com and there are many other sources where you can even have actual free books shipped to you, or locate a retreat or local Budddhist Temple or Meditation Hall. namaste!

Answer 4

Theravada Buddhism established new trends in Buddhism

Answer:

Mahayana is often referred to as the "great vehicle" and Theravada the "lesser vehicle". This does not reflect the importance of either school or demonstrate one's superiority over the other but rather the approach to attaining Nirvana. in Mahayana the goal is for all Buddhists to enter Nirvana together, each enlightened person voluntarily returns to the cycles of death and rebirth as a teacher and example until all sentient beings are enlightened (hence the term "great vehicle" - it's like a bus, we all arrive together). In Theaavada enlightened beings enter Nirvana one by one until all sentient beings have essentially trickled in (like a moped where each person rides on his own to Nirvana)

Answer 5

Human Beings primarily posses the ability to move one life to the next, working toward enlightenment. Much like stripping away layers upon layers of clothing to reveal the human form underneath. Mahayana Buddhism believe in inner transformation to attain a higher life condition . It is believed that following the four noble truths and eight fold path, over the course of many lives, will reveal the enlightenment being hiding some where in all of us. Mahayana concentrates on helping others. The idea develops that even in not reaching enlightenment in this life, they can florist, because our human nature eventually leads freedom. Bodhisattva with awareness is tried to the Mahayana tradition because no one can compassionately delay his/her own path to enlightenment for their quest to help other reach enlightenment, and in doing so, reach enlightenment at the end of his or her life. The main Mahayana motivation is to lead all sentient beings to Enlightenment.

}In the Theravada tradition, the human form is an obstacle to overcome on the paths to enlightenment. Enlightenment is a personal goal. In Theravada, the goal is to become an Arhat, which is what the Buddha was. It is understood that generally speaking, no one will reach the level of being an Arhat that the Buddhism obtain. This tradition is sometimes considered selfish for that reason, that thinking that helping others will not help you attain Enlightenment. However, in many ways, this tradition is more closely tied to the teachings of the Buddha.

Answer 6

• in Theravada Buddhism Buddha is a great teacher not a god ,you have to follow the 8fold path to be enlightened

• in Mahayana Buddha is a god who came to save the people if the 8fold path is to hard to follow you worship Buddha go to heaven then follow it

i am Theravada so if i got Mahayana wrong sorry, this is according to my text books

Answer 7

This is a complex question, but briefly:

Theravada means "The Way of the Elders." Mahayana means, "The Greater Vehicle." Theravadins believe that the teachings of the Buddha are more or less fully-contained in the Pali Tipitika. Mahayanists believe that the Buddha had an additional set of teachings called the Mahayana.

Theravadins believe that no one else can purify you but yourself, and so strive to attain enlightenment for themselves, put an end to their suffering and not be reborn again. Mahayanists believe that one should continue to be reborn in order to help others attain enlightenment.

In addition, the Theravada is also a complete school (or sect) and so all Theravadin teachers pretty much share the same views. The Mahayana has thousands of schools each having slightly different views, though generally agreeing on some of the basics.

Answer 8

Theravada is a much older school of Buddhism, and more strict. It is less practiced than Mahayana. There are detailed articles about each of these branches of Buddhism on wikipedia.

Answer 9

Mahayana is longer and easier path towards enlightenment and Vajrayana is quicker and more harsh and hardworking path towards the achievement of enlightenment.