The main difference between these ‘2’ Buddhist groups were their views on the Laity’s possibility of enlightenment . Theravada claimed that only monks could achieve Nirvana; and Mahayana claimed that both monks and Laity could achieve nirvana.
What was the difference between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism?
Mahayana Buddhists believe they can achieve enlightenment through following the teachings of the Buddha . ... Whereas Theravada Buddhists strive to become Arhats and gain freedom from the cycle of samsara , Mahayana Buddhists may choose to stay in the cycle of samsara out of compassion for others.
Which of the following was a major difference between Mahayana and hinayana Theravada Buddhism quizlet?
Which of the following was a major difference between Mahayana and Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism? The Mahayana school accepted the divinity of both the Buddha and the bodhisattvas , while the Hinayana school accepted only the divinity of the Buddha.
What is the difference between Theravada Mahayana and Vajrayana?
While Theravada Buddhists see the Mahayana as having strayed into some heterodox teachings from scriptures not derived from the original speech of the Buddha, and Mahayana Buddhist see themselves as having both the teachings of the earthly Buddha and the deeper and fuller teachings which come from the heavenly Buddhas ...
What is unique about Theravada Buddhism?
Buddhism has two main traditions practiced by believers, Mahayana and Theravada, with Theravada being the more conservative of the two. Theravada practitioners believe that their version of the scripture is the oldest and most closely aligned to the Buddha’s teachings .
What came first Mahayana or Theravada?
Theravada Buddhism came first. It focuses on the teachings of the Buddha through strict meditation and the Buddha’s Eightfold Path to Enlightenment. ... With less emphasis on the original Pali canon and a focus on encouraging everyone toward Enlightenment, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism was established.
What is the main purpose of Mahayana Buddhism?
The primary purpose of Mahayana Buddhism is to spread happiness and compassion to everyone in the world . This includes that by awakening to the Ultimate Truth, one obtains greater clarity and insight about the true nature of the universe, leading to internal peace and happiness.
What do you mean by Mahayana Buddhism?
Mahāyāna (/ˌmɑːhəˈjɑːnə/; “Great Vehicle”) is a term for a broad group of Buddhist traditions, texts, philosophies, and practices . ... Mahāyāna Buddhism generally sees the goal of becoming a Buddha through the bodhisattva path as being available to all and sees the state of the arhat as incomplete.
Who followed the Theravada form of Buddhism?
Theravada, (Pali: “Way of the Elders”) major form of Buddhism prevalent in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Theravada, like all other Buddhist schools, claims to adhere most closely to the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha .
What are the 2 branches of Buddhism?
Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravāda (Pali: “The School of the Elders”) and Mahāyāna (Sanskrit: “The Great Vehicle”) . Theravada has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
What are the 3 major Buddhist sects?
The Buddha died in the early 5th century B.C. His teachings, called the dharma, spread over Asia and developed into three basic traditions: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana . Buddhists call them “vehicles,” meaning they are ways to carry pilgrims from suffering to enlightenment.
What is the main focus of Theravada Buddhism?
Theravada Buddhism emphasises attaining self-liberation through one’s own efforts . Meditation and concentration are vital elements of the way to enlightenment. The ideal road is to dedicate oneself to full-time monastic life.
Is Dalai Lama a Buddha?
The Dalai Lama is considered a living Buddha of compassion , a reincarnation of the bodhisattva Chenrezig, who renounced Nirvana in order to help mankind. The title originally only signified the preeminent Buddhist monk in Tibet, a remote land about twice the size of Texas that sits veiled behind the Himalayas.
Who is the God of Theravada Buddhism?
The Buddha was a man named Siddhartha Gautama . Since his death, his teachings are a source of authority for Theravada Buddhists. The Buddha does not have the status of a god as he is dead. According to Theravada Buddhism, the most ideal path to enlightenment would be living in monastic tradition .
What does Theravada literally mean?
History and Etymology for Theravada
Pali theravāda, literally, doctrine of the elders .
What is the highest goal in life of a Theravada Buddhist?
Nirvana (Pali: nibbana) , the highest good and final goal in Theravāda Buddhism. It is the complete and final end of suffering, a state of perfection.
