Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism - what is the difference?

Question

Just curious. I took some silly `religion test` and it came out with theravada buddhism as quite high and mahayana as quite low.

Answer 1

Hello =)

Well...

Theravada Buddhists are of the opinion that they follow the "true" unembellished teachings of THE Buddha (Shakyamuni Buddha), and work towards personal enlightenment, which they consider very difficult, but possible, in the form of an Arahant. They consider the prospects of becoming an actual Buddha to be virtually impossible.

There is some validity to their point.

The Mahayana Buddhists have embellished somewhat upon the original teachings of the Buddha, and have a larger group of Suttras (teachings) which may, or may not be the actual words of the Buddha (I believe that they are). The Mahayanists work towards the enlightenment of all living things, and refuse their own enlightenment (full Budhahood) until such time as all beings reach the state of being ready to cross over into Nirvana. Mahayanists believe that attaining Budhahood is a much more possible goal, but the goal of exiting everyone from suffering is very difficult, yet still that is their focus.

They both have their merits, and their faults....

I am a Mahayanist, but frequently study the texts of the Theravadins....

Namaste, and Happy Holidays,

--Tom

Answer 2

I find there is hardly any difference between Theravada and Mahayana with regard to the fundamental teachings.

- Both accept Sakyamuni Buddha as the Teacher.
- The Four Noble Truths are exactly the same in both schools.
- The Eightfold Path is exactly the same in both schools.
- The Paticca-samuppada or the Dependent Origination is the
same in both schools.
- Both rejected the idea of a supreme being who created and
governed this world.
- Both accept Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta and Sila, Samadhi, Panna
without any difference.

These are the most important teachings of the Buddha and they are all accepted by both schools without question.

There are also some points where they differ. An obvious one is the Bodhisattva ideal. Many people say that Mahayana is for the Bodhisattvahood which leads to Buddhahood while Theravada is for Arahantship. I must point out that the Buddha was also an Arahant. Pacceka Buddha is also an Arahant. A disciple can also be an Arahant. The Mahayana texts never use the term Arahant-yana, Arahant Vehicle. They used three terms: Bodhisattvayana, Prateka-Buddhayana, and Sravakayana. In the Theravada tradition these three are called Bodhis.

Some people imagine that Theravada is selfish because it teaches that people should seek their own salvation. But how can a selfish person gain Enlightenment? Both schools accept the three Yanas or Bodhis but consider the Bodhisattva ideal as the highest. The Mahayana has created many mystical Bodhisattvas while the Theravada considers a Bodhisattva as a man amongst us who devotes his entire life for the attainment of perfection, ultimately becoming a fully Enlightened Buddha for the welfare of the world, for the happiness of the world.-

Answer 3

Mahayana potential "the super motor vehicle" and concentrates so lots greater on Bodhisattvas and all beings collective attaining enlightenment extremely than basically the guy. Mahayana is the umbrella team for right here faculties; Zen, organic land Buddhism, Nichiren and basically center Mahayana. Theravada potential "the coaching of the elders" and it somewhat is assumed to be the oldest variety of Buddhism. As you're able to element it is so lots greater conservative or orthodox than Mahayana. It would not somewhat injury down into smaller faculties as much as Mahayana does, it basically remains as Theravada. the main important difference between the two is they concentration on distinctive Sutras(Holy Writings) or teachings. desire this enables :-)

Answer 4

The Theravada (Way of the Elders), or Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle), school of Buddhism flourishes in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Kampuchea (Cambodia), and Laos. Some consider this to be the conservative school. It emphasizes gaining wisdom and working out one’s own salvation by renouncing the world and living the life of a monk, devoting oneself to meditation and study in a monastery.
It is a common sight in some of these lands to see groups of young men with shaved heads, in saffron robes and bare feet, carrying their alms bowls to receive their daily provision from the lay believers whose role it is to support them. It is customary for men to spend at least some part of their life in a monastery. The ultimate goal of the monastic life is to become an arhat, that is, one who has reached spiritual perfection and liberation from the pain and suffering in the cycles of rebirth. The Buddha has shown the way; it is up to each one to follow it.

The Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) school of Buddhism is commonly found in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. It is so named because it emphasizes the Buddha’s teaching that “truth and the way of salvation is for everyone whether one lives in a cave, a monastery, or a house . . . It is not just for those who give up the world.” The basic Mahayana concept is that the love and compassion of the Buddha are so great that he would not withhold salvation from anyone. It teaches that because the Buddha-nature is in all of us, everyone is capable of becoming a Buddha, an enlightened one, or a bodhisattva. Enlightenment comes, not by strenuous self-discipline, but by faith in the Buddha and compassion for all living things. This clearly has greater appeal to the practical-minded masses. Because of this more liberal attitude, however, numerous groups and cults have developed.

Answer 5

SADHU 3X to Jayaraman for giving a balanced unbias answer .

Answer 6

sangha