BuddhismMahayana Buddhism
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In China: Cha’an, (more popularly known by its Japanese name, Zen),
and Pure Land. Both would later be transmitted to Japan. Zen
migrated to Korea. |
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Vajrayana, or Tantric Buddhism which moved North and West, finally taking root in Tibet. |
Over time, several schools of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy evolved, but the main ones today are Pure Land and the Zen, both of which originally developed in China. A third school, the Nirchiren group developed in most recent times and is based on the White Lotus Sutra teaching of the Buddha. 4
Mary Hendriks commented:
"The dominant group today is the Mahayana following, and this is in part due to a Royal supporter. In the third century BC, Buddhism was boosted by the patronage of a powerful king, the Emperor Ashoka who converted after a particularly vicious victory in battle. He became a major supporter of the Mahayana Buddhism and funded its growth around many parts of India. In conjunction with the council, he also sent missionaries to regions outside India, beginning the spread of Buddhism around the world." 5
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Common Roots Run Deep:
While the various sects and followers of the Buddha’s teachings may vary, the core values established by The Buddha are still shared by all Buddhists. Their methods may differ. The ultimate goal of enlightenment through patient discipline, meditation, right living, and compassion for all life is a common thread that runs deep through all Buddhist thought and tradition. It is proper to say that Mahayana Buddhism is an extension or continuation of Theravada Buddhism, because without there first being Theravada, there could be no Mahayana.
Comparison of the Theravadan & Mahayanan traditions:
Intense, dedicated and time-consuming effort required to attain enlightenment.Theravada Buddhism |
Mahayana Buddhism |
Enlightenment is achieved through a normal life with varying degrees of spiritual involvement. | Enlightenment is achieved through a normal life with varying degrees of spiritual involvement. |
Reaching Nirvana is the ultimate goal of the Theravada Buddhist. | Vow to be reborn in order to help all other sentient beings reach Nirvana first. |
Strives for wisdom first . | Compassion is the highest virtue. |
Centers on meditation, and requires major personal dedication such as being a monk or nun. | Encourages practice in the world and among the general community. |
Followed as a teaching or Philosophy. | Followed with reference to higher beings, more like a religion. |
Moved primarily South and West covering Indochina and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka). | Moved Primarily North and West, covering China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. |
Early work written in Pali (e.g. kamma, dhamma). | Early texts are in Sanskrit (e.g. karma, dharma) |
Emphasizes rules and education | Emphasizes intuition and practice |
Politically conservative | Politically liberal |
References used:
The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
- "Mahayana Buddhism," at: http://www.wsu.edu/
- Graeme Lyall "The Rise of Mahayana," at: http://www.zip.com.au/
- Molly C. King, "Bodhisattva," at: http://web.presby.edu/
- Mary Hendriks, "The History, Philosophy and Practice of Buddhism -Buddhism in Japan" at: http://www.acay.com.au/
- Mary Hendriks, "The History, Philosophy and Practice of Buddhism -Mahayana Buddhism and Theravadan Buddhism," at: http://www.acay.com.au/
- Stephen Evans, "Basic Points Unifying The Theravada and the Mahayana," at: http://www.serve.com/
- Mary Hendriks, "The History, Philosophy and Practice of Buddhism," at: http://www.acay.com.au/
- Image of a Buddhist statue at Temple Phayao in Thailand, courtesy of Custo609, downloaded from FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Resources for further study:
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C.G. Boerre, "An Introduction to Buddhism" (Also available in a Spanish translation)
- Foundation for the Preservation of The Mahayana Tradition
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Buddhism Today: Items of general interest to all traditions of Buddhism.
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The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism
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Jade Buddha: a comprehensive overview of Buddhism including the origination and use of the jade mineral in Buddhist sculpture.
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Buddhanet: a list of Mahayana Links
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Dharm Realm Buddhist Association
Books on Mahayana Buddhism:
Essay copyright © 2002 by the main author
Latest update: 2017-JUL-20
Author: J.S. Brown with a little input from B.A. Robinson
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