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Scholar Stephen Prothero, author of God Is Not One, highlights the differences in doctrine, goals, and practices within the two major branches of Buddhist tradition, Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada, translating to “The Way of the Elders,” is the oldest form of Buddhism. It’s prevalent in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar and focuses on individual enlightenment via self-discipline, meditation, and adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha (those recorded in the Pali Canon).
Characteristics:
Individual Route to Enlightenment: one’s goal is to become an arhat, or a person who has liberated themselves from the cycle of rebirth through discipline and effort.Monastic Core: There’s a focus on monastic (monk) life; monks and nuns are seen as primary practitioners and those most likely to attain enlightenment.Buddha as a Teacher: The Buddha is viewed as a historical figure and a teacher who showed the path to liberation.Scriptures: the Pali Canon is considered to be the most authoritative collection of the Buddha’s teachings.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana, roughly translated as “The Great Vehicle,” emerged later and is most popular throughout countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Mahayana Buddhism expands the path to enlightenment to include all sentient beings, not just monastic monks/nuns.
Characteristics:
Collective Enlightenment: one’s goal is to become a bodhisattva, or someone that delays their own nirvana in pursuit of helping others achieve nirvana.Inclusivity: Mahayana says laypeople can become enlightened, not just monks/nuns.The Buddha as Divine: the Buddha is often seen as a borderline divine, transcendent character.Scriptures: a wider range of texts is referenced, including the Mahayana Sutras.
Differences Between Mahayana versus Theravada Buddhism
Prothero emphasizes key divergences between the two branches:
Liberation: Theravada emphasizes individual liberation, while Mahayana focuses upon altruism and collective liberation.Practitioner: Theravada is much more rigorous, being suited for monastics. Mahayana is more accessible.Buddha: Theravada views the Buddha as a human teacher, while Mahayana ascribe divine qualities to the Buddha/enlightened “beings.”Philosophical Outlook: Mahayana incorporates concepts like emptiness and the belief in multiple Buddhas/bodhisattvas existing across different realms.
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