key term - Theravada vs. Mahayana

Definition

Theravada and Mahayana are the two major branches of Buddhism, each with distinct beliefs, practices, and texts. While Theravada, often called 'the Teaching of the Elders,' emphasizes individual enlightenment through monastic life and adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha, Mahayana, known as 'the Great Vehicle,' focuses on the collective salvation of all beings and incorporates a broader range of texts and practices, including the veneration of Bodhisattvas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Theravada is primarily practiced in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, while Mahayana is more common in China, Japan, Korea, and Tibet.
2. The Pali Canon is the main scripture for Theravada Buddhism, while Mahayana incorporates additional texts such as the Heart Sutra and Lotus Sutra.
3. Theravada stresses personal meditation and ethical living as pathways to enlightenment, whereas Mahayana emphasizes altruism and the aspiration to become a Bodhisattva.
4. In Theravada, monks play a central role in preserving teachings and guiding lay practitioners, whereas Mahayana often involves a more diverse community with various forms of practice.
5. Mahayana includes practices like chanting and rituals dedicated to Bodhisattvas, which are not emphasized in Theravada Buddhism.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the core beliefs and practices of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Theravada focuses on individual enlightenment through strict adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha and emphasizes monastic life. In contrast, Mahayana promotes the idea of collective salvation and includes additional practices aimed at benefiting all beings. While Theravada uses the Pali Canon as its primary scripture, Mahayana incorporates a wider range of texts and focuses on figures like Bodhisattvas who help others achieve enlightenment.
• How do the concepts of Nirvana differ between Theravada and Mahayana traditions?
  • In Theravada Buddhism, Nirvana is viewed primarily as an individual goal, representing the end of suffering and liberation from the cycle of samsara. Practitioners aim for personal enlightenment through disciplined meditation and moral conduct. Conversely, Mahayana Buddhism sees Nirvana not just as an individual achievement but also as a collective journey towards the enlightenment of all beings. This perspective encourages followers to work toward helping others attain Nirvana as well.
• Evaluate how the differences between Theravada and Mahayana influence their respective communities and practices.
  • The differences between Theravada and Mahayana significantly shape their communities and practices. In Theravada societies, monks often hold a central role in preserving teachings and guiding laypeople towards personal enlightenment. This creates a more hierarchical structure within communities. In contrast, Mahayana's emphasis on collective salvation fosters a more inclusive community environment where diverse practices are encouraged. The presence of Bodhisattvas in Mahayana leads to rituals that involve lay practitioners actively participating in spiritual endeavors aimed at benefiting all beings, thus promoting a more communal approach to spirituality.

Related terms

Bodhisattva:

In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who seeks to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, postponing their own enlightenment to help others.

Sutras: Sutras are sacred texts in Buddhism that contain the teachings of the Buddha. Mahayana Buddhism has additional sutras that expand on concepts such as compassion and emptiness.

Nirvana:

Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Theravada views it as individual enlightenment, while Mahayana sees it as part of a collective journey.