Abstract Buddhism is a major world religion which was founded in northeastern India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama - more commonly known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One. The worldwide followers of Buddhism number between 150 to 300 million, most of who belong to the two major branches of Buddhism--the Theravada (the "Way of the Elders") and Mahayana (the "Great Vehicle") Buddhism. This paper briefly traces the origins of the two branches of Buddhism, compares and contrasts the major theological differences between Theravada and MahayanaBuddhism and explains how these differences are manifested in practice.
Paper Outline
Abstract
Theravada Buddhism: Origins and Basic Doctrine
MahayanaBuddhism: Origins and Basic Doctrine
The Main Differences: Theory and Practice
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Theravada monks have also been criticized by followers of Mahayana for being selfishly concerned only with their own salvation and for indifference to the lay community. According to the Mahayana doctrine, the bodhisattvas, out of a sense of compassion, delay their final passage to the transcendent state of nirvana in order to labor on behalf of others and help them in attaining salvation. They are, therefore, considered superior to the Theravadin arhat, who is mainly concerned with his own salvation but cannot help others in achieving salvation."
Abstract This paper reviews the precepts and philosophies put forward by those interpreting Theravada Buddhism and discusses why it has become the popular form of Buddhism practiced by Westerners. It then compares Theravada Buddhism with Zen and MahayanaBuddhism (and Shin Buddhism, a form of Mahayana), discussing how they relate differently to the precepts of Buddhism.
From the Paper "And in fact, monks in America in Theravadan communities now do shake hands with women, and there is innovation and change on the way, Numrich writes. And in some cases, monks are married and living normal lives, because as Numrich points out on page 151, monasticism "is irrelevant to the practice of Buddhism" in America.
"The fact of normal family life for monks is certainly a good reason for Americans practicing Buddhism to heartily relate to the faith, in particular, given the widespread sexual molestation scandals that have rocked the Roman Catholic Church in America over the past few years. If celibacy appears to create carnal desires that result in little boys being sexually abused by clerics, then certainly a more normal life for monks would seem to be advisable, as Theravada Buddhism takes hold in the West."
Abstract This paper examines how Shinshu Buddhism stems from MahayanaBuddhism and is one of the Pure Land Buddhist schools called also True Pure Land Buddhism. The paper then looks at how Shinshu is characterized by the total negation of monasticism, making it the religion of the ordinary man. It also discusses how Shinshu Buddhism bears many similarities to other Buddhist schools particularly those of the Pure Land and how there are significant important differences in the practices and moral values between Shinshu and others.
From the Paper "The Shinshu Buddhism practice is focused on chanting practice termed nembutsu, which "literally means to think on or be mindful of (nen) the Buddha (Butsu)" (Ueda and Hirota, 127). It simply consists of chanting the phrase "I take the refuge in Amitabha Buddha". This chanting presents gratitude to Amitabha and his Eighteenth Vow and as such some do not consider it a practice at all but plain affirmation of gratitude and trust in this Vow. The vow ensures that those who sincerely commend to the Vow and desire to be born in Pure Land and who perform even ten nen (or nembutsu) will secure the birth in the Pure Land for themselves. This was enough to gain the support of the Other Power."
Abstract There are two primary parts to this brief discussion of MahayanaBuddhism. In Part I., the basic features of Indian Buddhism will be presented and addressed. In Part II the concept of the "One who is enlightened" is seen in the beliefs of the Mahayan as they are shown in relation to Hinduism. The comparison with Hinduism is limited to one area because Hinduism is a diverse set of beliefs which can not be all covered in such a short space.
Abstract The paper discusses the religion of Buddhism, its sources, beliefs and also compares it to Christianity. The paper examines the question of why Theravada Buddhism - more than Zen and MahayanaBuddhism - seems to have found a place among those Westerners who have taken an interest in Buddhism. This paper also reviews the precepts and philosophies put forward by those interpreting Theravada Buddhism. IN addition, the paper compares Theravada with Zen and MahayanaBuddhism (and Shin Buddhism, a form of Mahayana).
From the Paper "As to why Theravada has become an attractive way of practicing Buddhism in the U.S. Donald Rothberg, writing in The Faces of Buddhism in America (Rothberg 268) explains that Theravada has evolved from its traditional and more conservative form in Asia and now is thought of as "socially engaged Buddhism." That means, it responds to and addresses "social action," and is more germane to the average person's "everyday life." Rothberg asserts that the "1st Precept" of traditionally practiced Theravada is against killing; it implies that one person of Theravadan Buddhist faith should not kill another. But the "socially engaged Buddhism" practiced through Theravada in the West takes it into a broader scope, from individual responsibility to a sense of national social responsibility; in other words, socially engaged Theravadan Buddhism gets into politics, and takes a moral stand about government behaviors. "
Abstract 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."
This paper discusses the early Buddhist sutras, which contained the framework upon which later MahayanaBuddhism developed its doctrinal emphasis and formulated the relationship between the lay and monastic communities.
Abstract This paper explains that the early Mahayana Buddhist sutras showed the close intermingling of lay and monastic lives guided by the Mahayana scripture, which later matured into the patriarchal Chan lineage of the 8th century. The author relates that the Mahayana concepts influenced the roles of monks as renunciants and advocates of the Bodhisattva path: the idea of emptiness and salvation as a means of encouraging withdrawal from the household life and embracing the way of the renunciant. The paper points out that the scriptural translators were incorporating beliefs in filial piety coming from India with the indigenous beliefs of China.
From the Paper "The emphasis on renunciate life lay in its virtue as a means of overcoming attachment and the importance of emphasizing Mahayana doctrine. Historically this emerges from the early debates between the Hinayana and Mahayana practitioners and it is reflected in the organization of the texts. The Ugra Sutra begins as a text extolling the virtues of the Bodhisattva path and renunciate life and then moves into more philosophical statements in which we find some early references to the actions of Bodhisattvas, Independent Origination and the ideas of the hells and references to karma. This suggests that sutras were compiled with diverse authors, and use of different translations, but the organization retained in the versions entering the cannon indicates recognition of a relationship between the two concepts. The prevailing idea is that as a renunciant the monk will be able to devote himself to contemplation of doctrines essential to the Bodhisattva path."
Abstract The paper analyzes how Buddhism is both a religion and a philosophy. The paper discusses how Buddhism, one of the major world religions with 376 million followers worldwide, began in India and spread, via Asia, through the rest of the world. The paper analyzes how Buddhism, the only major religion that is not based on the existence of God, is a shramana, or wandering monk, religion. The paper examines the two branches of Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism and MahayanaBuddhism, which are differentiated based on their belief in the Pali suttas scriptures.
The paper includes an interview with a practicing Buddhist.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Basic Tenets
Buddhist Temple
Interview
Compare and Contrast
Conclusion
From the Paper "The beginning and the end of the Eightfold Path is the right view, because it starts and ends with an understanding of the Four Noble Truths. (Knierim, 2005). The right view consists of an awareness of suffering and of the fact that suffering can end. The second path on the Eightfold path is right intention, which involves an individual commitment to be free from ill will. (Wikipedia, 2005, "Noble Eightfold Path"). The third component is right speech, which means that one should only speak nurturing, worthy words and should abstain from false speech, slander, idle chatter, and harmful words. The fourth component is right action, which means that one must abstain from doing intentional harm, especially to sentient beings. (Wikipedia, 2005, "Noble Eightfold Path"). The fifth component is right livelihood, which means that one should earn one's living through means that are peaceful, non-harmful, and legal."
This paper discuses Zen Buddhism as a form of MahayanaBuddhism, which is a tradition that has had much appeal to some westerners in the last generations.
Abstract This paper relates the history of Zen Buddhism, explaining that it originated in China and later spread throughout much of Vietnam, Korea and Indo-China. The author points out that Zen Buddhism demands a great deal of the follower but its gift is a pure simplicity that brings the transformation of the person and all awareness. The paper relates that many North Americans, including Heidegger, Erich Fromm, and Aldous Huxley, value the 'in the moment' focus of Zen Buddhism as a solution to fast-paced societies that cause many people to feel overwhelmed by stress. The paper relates that the aesthetics of Zen appeal to Westerners as seen in sand or stone 'Japanese' gardens that reflect the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Table of Content:
Introduction
The Buddha's Emissaries
Zen's Appeal and its Spread
Zen's Appeal to Non-Asian Persons
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper "Those leaving India for East Asia in the 6th century AD believed they carried a simple but very powerful message. The smile of the Buddha was a symbol that had spread through India by those known as the 28 Patriarchs, the symbol brought to China by Bodhidharma and later taken on to Japan. Part of the appeal of Zen Buddhism perhaps was its accessibility in societies where only the elite, indeed, only the philosophical or priestly classes, were literate. Zen's emphasis on personal consciousness, as aided by a learned teacher, appealed to people who were given simple - but extremely difficult meditative exercises to master."
Abstract This paper examines the parallels between Hua-Yen Buddhism and Zen Buddhism and explains the general principals, concept, and philosophy of Buddhism. The paper also provides some historical information concerning the origins of Buddhism and some of its major, influential thinkers.
From the Paper "There are two schools of Buddhism which interest me: Zen and Hua-yen. The scholastic name for Zen is the Doctrine of the Buddha-heart. Its goal is to attain Satori (enlightenment) through meditation, and through a permanent contemplative lifestyle. The Chinese word Hua-Yen means ?the Flower decoration,? as translated from the Sanskrit Avatamsaka, which is a doctrine concerned with one thing: reaching an understanding of Totality through the great many teachings of Mahayana."
Tags: sanskrit, mahayana, spiritual, central, perception, satori, enlightenment, india, china
The writer of this paper focuses on the spiritual concept of the subtle body, which is an accepted philosophical component in various Asian cultures and traditions, including Samkhya-Yoga and Buddhism.
Abstract This paper defines the subtle body as a non-physical energy, unseen, yet connected to an individual's psyche, as well as to one's mental and spiritual consciousness. This paper explores the history of the subtle body, which is greatly influenced by MahayanaBuddhism, which was introduced into China from India in the 1st century AD. This paper examines one's inner body or consciousness, which is comprised of formed of several layers and levels. The subtle body is generally represented as a series of concentric circles, ranging from the least subtle, generally the physical body, to the most subtle.
From the Paper "Chinese traditions of self and the subtle body are greatly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, which spread into China from India in the 1st century AD. One of the most important particularities of Mahayana tradition refers to the elevation of Buddha to "the position of a Divine figure and source of Grace" . Now, Buddha, or rather the Enlightened Figure of Buddha, possesses three levels of being, without counting the physical body (in my opinion, despite its omission in the texts, the physical body of the Enlightened Figure of Buddha should be regarded, similar to the Indic tradition, as the initial, most unsubtle body. If we look at historical tradition, Buddha is supposed to have lived on one piece of rice a day with the sole purpose of "removing" his physical body). These three subtle bodies are truth/reality body, complete enjoyment body and the transformation body .Chinese Buddhist tradition gives birth from the reality body to the primordial deities referred to as the five Tathagata Buddhas."
Tags: yoga, buddhism, consciousness, spirituality, india, china
Abstract This paper explains that Cha'an Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism, emerged in China in the sixth century after Buddhism had been brought to China from India. The author points out that Zen Buddhism later was transferred to Japan and eventually reached America and other parts of the world. The paper relates that Cha'an Buddhism is only one of several major schools of Buddhist thought.
From the Paper "One of the prevailing schools of Buddhist thought in China has been known as Cha'an Buddhism, or Chan Buddhism, and is known in America as Zen Buddhism. While Zen Buddhism was adapted from the Chinese, it also became common in Japan. Zen means the discipline of enlightenment. Much remains uncertain about the early history of Chan Buddhism, but the general development of the school is understood, as is the way it spread through China and into other regions. A School of Buddhism Chan Buddhism is the religion of jiyu, or "self-reliance," and jizai, or "self-being" (Suzuki 6). "
Abstract This paper examines the differences between Chinese Buddhism and the Buddhism of any other Asian country. The author stresses that politics has played a role in determining the shape of Chinese Buddhism. The paper relates that the existence of Buddhist monasteries in China under the T'ang and Ming dynasties owes much to the political power of Buddhism in Chinese history.
From the Paper "Buddhism in Chinese History: The Example of Politics and Religious Conflict under the T'ang and Ming Dynasties Introduction Any study of Chinese Buddhism must address the degree to which Chinese social, political and cultural forces have shaped Buddhism in China in ways that make it different from the Buddhism of any other Asian country. In researching for this paper, I was surprised by the degree to which politics has played a role in determining the shape of Chinese Buddhism. Even the existence of Buddhist monasteries in China, as will be seen, owes much to the political power of Buddhism in Chinese history."
Abstract Through a study of Buddhism in Vietnam, and how this has been reflected in art and architecture, we can understand how a country-specific approach to the analysis of Buddhism and Buddhist art can illuminate features of both. This paper discusses Buddhism and Buddhist art in Vietnam.
Abstract This paper looks at the origins of Buddhism and how its popularity has spread in recent years. The roots of the religion are discussed in the context of how Buddhism has currently evolved in the United States. Includes a look at a story of a Buddhist girl as an example of Buddhism.
From the Paper "The year was 534 B.C. One morning, a young prince sat under a tree that would soon become known as the Tree of Enlightenment or the Bodhi Tree. He didn't sit there for pure enjoyment, but was seeking an end of suffering. Born around 563 B.C., Siddhartha Gautama would be the man who discovered Buddhism and become known as the Buddha."
