Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death

Paper Summary:

The writer explores the Theravada and Mahayana theories that are central to Buddhism in explaining the abstract idea of death and afterlife. The differences are studied as well as the underlying similarities. The writer also shows how the concepts of suffering, illusion, reincarnation, enlightenment and nirvana are all connected and stem from the basic Buddhist beliefs.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Background
Major Differences Between Mahayan and Theravada Buddhism
The Issue of Life after Death
Conclusion
Potential Areas of Research
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"The core differentiation between the Theravada and Mahayana school of thought in Buddhism lies in the stress on the individual attainment of salvation and enlightenment in Theravada, as opposed to the sense of common or universal salvation that is the goal of Mahayana. This central difference has a profound and subtle affect on the various interpretations of death and the afterlife in Buddhism. The present study provides the background to this issue and attempts to present an overview not only of the differences between these two schools of thought, but also attempts to establish fundamental similarities relating to the concept of illusion, salvation and nirvana, which form an integral part of the Buddhists view of the afterlife."

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