This paper discusses the basic differences between the two main schools of thought in Buddhism with regards to death and afterlife.
Written in 2006; 5,707 words; 37 sources; APA; $ 137.95
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."
We have thousands of high-quality term papers, research papers, essays, book reports and dissertations on every topic. At AcaDemon, you can download those term papers to help you write yours! You can be sure that the term paper, essay, book report or research paper you download are top-quality, competitively priced and high-level work.
This Free Term Paper Abstract is a part of our Term Paper Library.Here you can purchase research papers, examples of essays, academic dissertations, articles, notes, analytical papers, book reports, stories and poems. We have thousands of persuasive, point-of-view, narrative, critical, compare and contrast and other types of essays in our Library. You can also find here Term papers on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Essays on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Research papers on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Student papers on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Book reports on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Dissertation on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Thesis on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Summary of paper on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ", Articles written on "Buddhism: The Concept of Life after Death ".