Transcript The Different Buddhist Traditions

The Different Buddhist Traditions
The Different Buddhist Traditions
One of the results of the Buddhist
Second Council which took place about
100 years after the Buddha’s passing (c.
386 BCE), was the Great Schism of
Buddhism.
The Buddhist Order formally split into
two sects generally known as the
Sthaviravadins (forerunners of
Theravada and the Mahasanghikas
(forerunners of the Mahayana).
The Different Buddhist Traditions
One of the results of the Buddhist
Second Council which took place about
100 years after the Buddha’s passing (c.
386 BCE), was the Great Schism of
Buddhism.
The Buddhist Order formally split into
two sects generally known as the
Sthaviravadins (forerunners of
Theravada and the Mahasanghikas
(forerunners of the Mahayana).
The Different Buddhist Traditions
Theravada means the “Teachings of the
Elders”.
Mahayana means the “Great Vehicle”.
The demeaning term “Hinayana” or
“Lesser Vehicle” was used by the early
Mahayana to elevate themselves above
Theravada. It has negative connotations
and is seldom used nowadays.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
Theravada means the “Teachings of the
Elders”.
Mahayana means the “Great Vehicle”.
The demeaning term “Hinayana” or
“Lesser Vehicle” was used by the early
Mahayana to elevate themselves above
Theravada. It has negative connotations
and is seldom used nowadays.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
Theravada means the “Teachings of the
Elders”.
Mahayana means the “Great Vehicle”.
The demeaning term “Hinayana” or
“Lesser Vehicle” was used by the early
Mahayana to elevate themselves above
Theravada. It has negative connotations
and is seldom used nowadays.
Theravada
The earliest available teachings of the
Buddha are in the Pali language, which
is used by the Theravadins.
These teachings were brought to Sri
Lanka at the time of the Third Council
(c. 250 BCE) where they took root, and
despite several difficult periods, remain
intact till today. Theravada Buddhism is
also the main religion of Thailand,
Burma and Cambodia.
Theravada
The earliest available teachings of the
Buddha are in the Pali language, which
is used by the Theravadins.
These teachings were brought to Sri
Lanka at the time of the Third Council
(c. 250 BCE) where they took root, and
despite several difficult periods, remain
intact till today. Theravada Buddhism is
also the main religion of Thailand,
Burma and Cambodia.
Theravada
Although the Sangha may belong to
different sects in their countries, the
teachings are essentially homogenous
with insignificant, if any, differences at all.
Theravada Buddhism is currently enjoying
a growing popularity in countries like
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia
and other Western countries due to the
easier availability of English language
materials and teachings and the internet.
Theravada
Although the Sangha may belong to
different sects in their countries, the
teachings are essentially homogenous
with insignificant, if any, differences at all.
Theravada Buddhism is currently enjoying
a growing popularity in countries like
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia
and other Western countries due to the
easier availability of English language
materials and teachings and the internet.
Mahayana
Mahayana comprises a great variety of
schools of Buddhism found in China,
Japan, Korea and Tibet.
These schools originated in India after
the Second Council and developed from
new ideas within Buddhist thought as
well as incorporating some Brahministic,
Hindu and other concepts.
Mahayana
Mahayana comprises a great variety of
schools of Buddhism found in China,
Japan, Korea and Tibet.
These schools originated in India after
the Second Council and developed from
new ideas within Buddhist thought as
well as incorporating some Brahministic,
Hindu and other concepts.
Mahayana
As Buddhism spread to China around
the 1st century CE, it also absorbed
elements of Taoism and Confucianism in
order to survive and adapt to the local
culture and society.
When Buddhism spread to Tibet in the
7th century CE, it already had Indian
Tantric influences and also absorbed
elements of the local Bon religion.
Mahayana
As Buddhism spread to China around
the 1st century CE, it also absorbed
elements of Taoism and Confucianism in
order to survive and adapt to the local
culture and society.
When Buddhism spread to Tibet in the
7th century CE, it already had Indian
Tantric influences and also absorbed
elements of the local Bon religion.
Mahayana
Mahayana developed new concepts, in
particular the Bodhisattva ideal, which
they then formulated into new sutras
and attributed them to the Buddha.
These sutras, such as the Lotus Sutra,
Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, Amitabha
Sutra, etc. usually originated in the
Sanskrit language and formed the basis
of the Mahayana teachings.
Mahayana
Mahayana developed new concepts, in
particular the Bodhisattva ideal, which
they then formulated into new sutras
and attributed them to the Buddha.
These sutras, such as the Lotus Sutra,
Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, Amitabha
Sutra, etc. usually originated in the
Sanskrit language and formed the basis
of the Mahayana teachings.
Mahayana
One of the defining sutras in Mahayana is
the Lotus Sutra (1st century CE) where
the Buddha for the first time, is seen as a
god-like father figure, as opposed to an
enlightened human spiritual teacher.
The Arahant ideal of early Buddhism was
also downgraded to below that of the
Bodhisattva ideal, a new concept of
Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana
One of the defining sutras in Mahayana is
the Lotus Sutra (1st century CE) where
the Buddha for the first time, is seen as a
god-like father figure, as opposed to an
enlightened human spiritual teacher.
The Arahant ideal of early Buddhism was
also downgraded to below that of the
Bodhisattva ideal, a new concept of
Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana
There are several major schools of the
Mahayana tradition :
Chan / Zen Buddhism
Pureland / Amitabha Buddhism
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism
Mahayana
There are several major schools of the
Mahayana tradition :
Chan / Zen Buddhism
Pureland / Amitabha Buddhism
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism
Mahayana
There are several major schools of the
Mahayana tradition :
Chan / Zen Buddhism
Pureland / Amitabha Buddhism
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism
Mahayana
There are several major schools of the
Mahayana tradition :
Chan / Zen Buddhism
Pureland / Amitabha Buddhism
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism
Mahayana
Chan / Zen Buddhism :
The establishment of Chan is traditionally
credited to the Indian prince-turned-monk
Bodhidharma around the 5th century CE.
The aim of Chan / Zen is to discover the
Buddha-nature within each person,
through meditation and mindfulness of
daily experiences. It does not place
emphasis on written and verbal teachings.
Mahayana
Chan / Zen Buddhism :
The establishment of Chan is traditionally
credited to the Indian prince-turned-monk
Bodhidharma around the 5th century CE.
The aim of Chan / Zen is to discover the
Buddha-nature within each person,
through meditation and mindfulness of
daily experiences. It does not place
emphasis on written and verbal teachings.
Mahayana
Pureland / Amitabha Buddhism :
This is based on the Pure Land Sutras,
brought to China in the 2nd century CE and
is a "faith"-oriented branch of Buddhism.
It is very popular in East Asia, originally
among the peasants, as it provides an
alternative and “easier” route to
enlightenment.
Mahayana
Pureland / Amitabha Buddhism :
This is based on the Pure Land Sutras,
brought to China in the 2nd century CE and
is a "faith"-oriented branch of Buddhism.
It is very popular in East Asia, originally
among the peasants, as it provides an
alternative and “easier” route to
enlightenment.
Mahayana
Amitabha Buddha :
Amitabha Buddha means the Buddha of
“Boundless Light” or “Infinite Life” and is
the main Buddha of the Pure Land sect.
They believe that he resides in Sukhavati,
the Western Paradise of Eternal Bliss, or
simply the Pure Land, which he created
through his infinite merits when he was a
Bodhisattva named Dharmakara.
Mahayana
Amitabha Buddha :
Amitabha Buddha means the Buddha of
“Boundless Light” or “Infinite Life” and is
the main Buddha of the Pure Land sect.
They believe that he resides in Sukhavati,
the Western Paradise of Eternal Bliss, or
simply the Pure Land, which he created
through his infinite merits when he was a
Bodhisattva named Dharmakara.
Mahayana
Amitabha Buddha :
They believe that Nirvana has become
too difficult to attain on our own, and that
only through devotion to Amitabha that
can one be reborn in the Pure Land, from
which enlightenment is guaranteed.
A central practice is the concentrated and
heartfelt repetitive recitation of “Namo
Amitabha Buddha” or “Namo Amituofo”.
Mahayana
Amitabha Buddha :
They believe that Nirvana has become
too difficult to attain on our own, and that
only through devotion to Amitabha that
can one be reborn in the Pure Land, from
which enlightenment is guaranteed.
A central practice is the concentrated and
heartfelt repetitive recitation of “Namo
Amitabha Buddha” or “Namo Amituofo”.
Mahayana
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism :
The earliest documented influence of
Buddhism in Tibet dates from the 7th
century CE. Its teachings includes
Tantras which are orally-transmitted
esoteric rituals or meditation practices.
In Vajrayana, such teachings cannot be
understood and should not to be practiced
without the guidance of a guru.
Mahayana
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism :
The earliest documented influence of
Buddhism in Tibet dates from the 7th
century CE. Its teachings includes
Tantras which are orally-transmitted
esoteric rituals or meditation practices.
In Vajrayana, such teachings cannot be
understood and should not to be practiced
without the guidance of a guru.
Mahayana
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism :
The goal of Vajrayana is to become a
Buddha / Bodhisattva not only for one's
own sake, but to help all other sentient
beings also attain enlightenment and be
free from Samsara and suffering.
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can manifest
on earth, eg. the Dalai Lama is the
manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.
Mahayana
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism :
The goal of Vajrayana is to become a
Buddha / Bodhisattva not only for one's
own sake, but to help all other sentient
beings also attain enlightenment and be
free from Samsara and suffering.
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can manifest
on earth, eg. the Dalai Lama is the
manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.
Mahayana
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism :
Four main schools :
1.
2.
3.
4.
Nyingma
Kagyu
Sakya
Gelug
Mahayana
Vajrayana / Tibetan Buddhism :
Four main schools :
1.
2.
3.
4.
Nyingma
Kagyu
Sakya
Gelug
Trikaya or Three Bodies
Nirmanakaya / Transformation Body
The physical body that appears in the
world to teach and liberate others.
Sambhogakaya / Reward Body
It is the bliss of enlightenment and the
reward of spiritual practice.
Dharmakaya / Truth Body
Embodies the Dharma and principles of
enlightenment. It is the Buddha nature
without limits, boundaries or distinctions.
Trikaya or Three Bodies
Nirmanakaya / Transformation Body
The physical body that appears in the
world to teach and liberate others.
Sambhogakaya / Reward Body
It is the bliss of enlightenment and the
reward of spiritual practice.
Dharmakaya / Truth Body
Embodies the Dharma and principles of
enlightenment. It is the Buddha nature
without limits, boundaries or distinctions.
Trikaya or Three Bodies
Nirmanakaya / Transformation Body
The physical body that appears in the
world to teach and liberate others.
Sambhogakaya / Reward Body
It is the bliss of enlightenment and the
reward of spiritual practice.
Dharmakaya / Truth Body
Embodies the Dharma and principles of
enlightenment. It is the Buddha nature
without limits, boundaries or distinctions.
Trikaya or Three Bodies
Nirmanakaya / Transformation Body
The physical body that appears in the
world to teach and liberate others.
Sambhogakaya / Reward Body
It is the bliss of enlightenment and the
reward of spiritual practice.
Dharmakaya / Truth Body
Embodies the Dharma and principles of
enlightenment. It is the Buddha nature
without limits, boundaries or distinctions.
Mahayana
Kuan Yin :
Kuan Yin or Guanyin is short for
Guanshi'yin which means "Observing the
Cries of the World".
As the Goddess of Mercy, she is very
popular among Chinese Buddhists as the
protector of women and children, the
saviour of those who are in trouble and is
the personification of unconditional love,
mercy and compassion.
Mahayana
Kuan Yin :
Kuan Yin or Guanyin is short for
Guanshi'yin which means "Observing the
Cries of the World".
As the Goddess of Mercy, she is very
popular among Chinese Buddhists as the
protector of women and children, the
saviour of those who are in trouble and is
the personification of unconditional love,
mercy and compassion.
Mahayana
Kuan Yin :
She likely originated from Avalokiteśvara
(her male form), the Bodhisattva who
vowed to help all sentient beings in times
of difficulty, and postpone his own
Buddhahood until he has assisted all
beings to attain Nirvana.
Also known as Chenrezig in Vajrayana,
and Kannon in Japan.
Mahayana
Kuan Yin :
She likely originated from Avalokiteśvara
(her male form), the Bodhisattva who
vowed to help all sentient beings in times
of difficulty, and postpone his own
Buddhahood until he has assisted all
beings to attain Nirvana.
Also known as Chenrezig in Vajrayana,
and Kannon in Japan.
Mahayana
Maitreya :
Maitreya (Sanskrit) or Metteyya (Pali), is
supposed to be the future Buddha of this
world and the successor to our current
Gotama Sakyamuni Buddha.
He is said to be in the Tusita Heaven
where all future Buddha’s reside before
their last birth on earth. Maitreya will
come after the teachings of the current
Buddha have disappeared completely.
Mahayana
Maitreya :
Maitreya (Sanskrit) or Metteyya (Pali), is
supposed to be the future Buddha of this
world and the successor to our current
Gotama Sakyamuni Buddha.
He is said to be in the Tusita Heaven
where all future Buddha’s reside before
their last birth on earth. Maitreya will
come after the teachings of the current
Buddha have disappeared completely.
Mahayana
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva :
Also known as Ti-Tsang Wang P'usa or
‘Earth Store’ Bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha is
one of the 4 principal Bodhisattvas of
Mahayana Buddhism, with Manjusri,
Samantabhadra and Avalokitesvara.
He is known for his great vow :
“If the Hells are not empty
I will not attain Buddhahood.”
Mahayana
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva :
Also known as Ti-Tsang Wang P'usa or
‘Earth Store’ Bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha is
one of the 4 principal Bodhisattvas of
Mahayana Buddhism, with Manjusri,
Samantabhadra and Avalokitesvara.
He is known for his great vow :
“If the Hells are not empty
I will not attain Buddhahood.”
Mahayana
Laughing Buddha :
The Laughing Buddha, or Pu-Tai, has no
association with the current Buddha but
emerged from Chinese folklore based on
a Chinese monk who later revealed
himself as an incarnation of Maitreya.
Known in Japan as Hotei, rubbing his
belly is thought to bring good luck,
happiness and prosperity.
Mahayana
Laughing Buddha :
The Laughing Buddha, or Pu-Tai, has no
association with the current Buddha but
emerged from Chinese folklore based on
a Chinese monk who later revealed
himself as an incarnation of Maitreya.
Known in Japan as Hotei, rubbing his
belly is thought to bring good luck,
happiness and prosperity.
Mahayana
Medicine Buddha :
Bhaisajyaguru is the Buddha of healing
and medicine depicting a doctor who
cures the illness of suffering using the
medicine of his teachings.
It is believed that he resides in the
Eastern Pure Land and is usually seen
holding a lapis-lazuli jar of medicine
nectar in his left hand.
Mahayana
Medicine Buddha :
Bhaisajyaguru is the Buddha of healing
and medicine depicting a doctor who
cures the illness of suffering using the
medicine of his teachings.
It is believed that he resides in the
Eastern Pure Land and is usually seen
holding a lapis-lazuli jar of medicine
nectar in his left hand.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
At the World Buddhist Sangha Council in
Sri Lanka in 1966, the "Unifying Points"
between Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism were unanimously endorsed.
For example :
• The Buddha is the only Master.
• Refuge is taken in the Buddha,
the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
At the World Buddhist Sangha Council in
Sri Lanka in 1966, the "Unifying Points"
between Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism were unanimously endorsed.
For example :
• The Buddha is the only Master.
• Refuge is taken in the Buddha,
the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
At the World Buddhist Sangha Council in
Sri Lanka in 1966, the "Unifying Points"
between Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism were unanimously endorsed.
For example :
• The Buddha is the only Master.
• Refuge is taken in the Buddha,
the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
• To develop unconditional compassion
for all living beings; and to realize the
Ultimate Truth.
• Acceptance of the 4 Noble Truths,
3 Characteristics of Existence,
Dependent Origination.
• Acknowledge differences in beliefs and
practices, customs and habits which
should not be confused with the
essential teachings of the Buddha.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
• To develop unconditional compassion
for all living beings; and to realize the
Ultimate Truth.
• Acceptance of the 4 Noble Truths,
3 Characteristics of Existence,
Dependent Origination.
• Acknowledge differences in beliefs and
practices, customs and habits which
should not be confused with the
essential teachings of the Buddha.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
• To develop unconditional compassion
for all living beings; and to realize the
Ultimate Truth.
• Acceptance of the 4 Noble Truths,
3 Characteristics of Existence,
Dependent Origination.
• Acknowledge differences in beliefs and
practices, customs and habits which
should not be confused with the
essential teachings of the Buddha.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
While the approach and practices may
differ, the core Buddhist doctrines remain
the same among the various traditions.
Therefore, the various traditions can be
considered merely as different routes to
the same destination.
We should thus support and assist each
other along this route as much as
possible.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
While the approach and practices may
differ, the core Buddhist doctrines remain
the same among the various traditions.
Therefore, the various traditions can be
considered merely as different routes to
the same destination.
We should thus support and assist each
other along this route as much as
possible.
The Different Buddhist Traditions
While the approach and practices may
differ, the core Buddhist doctrines remain
the same among the various traditions.
Therefore, the various traditions can be
considered merely as different routes to
the same destination.
We should thus support and assist each
other along this route as much as
possible.
Prepared by T Y Lee
www.justbegood.net