Introduction to

World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 10:
Mahayana Buddhism
 Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 10: Mahayana Buddhism
First Edition, 2020

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Introduction to
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 10:
Mahayana Buddhism
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems for Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Mahayana Buddhism.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.
For the learners:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems for Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Mahayana Buddhism.

This module will let you know about the brief history, core teachings, fundamental
beliefs, practices, and related issues of Mahayana Buddhism. And it is designed to
provide you fun and meaningful opportunities for guided and independent learning
at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the
learning resource while being an active learner. Your academic success lies in your
own hands!

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

ii
 This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give youWhat

an idea oftothe
I Need skills or competencies you are expected to learn in the
Know
module.
This part includes an activity that aims to check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If What
you Iget all the answers correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
Know
module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link the current lesson with the previous one.
In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to you in various ways such as a story, a
What’s In
song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the lesson. This aims to help you discover
What’s
and understand new New
concepts and skills.
What is It for independent practice to solidify your understanding and
This comprises activities
skills of the topic. What’s
You mayMore check the answers to the exercises using the Answer Key at the
end of the module.
This includes questions or blank sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process what you
learned from the lesson.
What I Have
This section providesLearned
an activity which will help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations
What or concerns.
I Can Do
This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency. Assessment
In this portion, another activity will be given to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
Additional
lesson learned. This also tends retention of learned concepts.
Activities
This contains answers to all activities in the module.

Answer Key
At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all the sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate
to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

1
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
know the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related
issues of Mahayana Buddhism. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

This module is about the Mahayana Buddhism.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify the sacred scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism;

2. explain the worship and observances of Mahayana Buddhism;
3. discuss the beliefs and doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism;
4. determine the different subdivisions of Mahayana Buddhism.

What I Know

Directions: Read and analyze each statement below and carefully choose the letter
that best describe the statement. Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate
sheet of paper or notebook.

1. “Sutra Pitaka” means .

a. Discourse
b. Discipline
c. Ultimate Doctrine
d. Ultimate Purpose
2. “Vinaya Pitaka” translated as .
a. Discourse
b. Discipline
c. Ultimate Doctrine
d. Ultimate Purpose
3. “Abhidharma Pitaka” described as .
a. Discourse
b. Discipline
c. Ultimate Doctrine
d. Ultimate Purpose
4. The body of buddha that is a Body of absolute truth; absolute nature of all
beings is called .
a. Dharmakaya
b. Sambhogakaya
c. Nirmanakaya
d. Bodhisattvas
5. The body of buddha that is a Body that experiences bliss of enlightenment is
called .
a. Dharmakaya
b. Sambhogakaya
c. Nirmanakaya
d. Bodhisattvas
6. The body of buddha that manifests the world
a. Dharmakaya
b. Sambhogakaya
c. Nirmanakaya
d. Bodhisattvas
7. The most revered and most popular Buddhist deity among the Bodhisattvas.
a. Avalokiteshvara
b. Manjushri
c. Ksitigarbha
d. Samanthabhadra
8. Which of the following Mahayana principal Bodhisattvas is the embodiment of
wisdom, intelligence, and willpower?
a. Avalokiteshvara
b. Manjushri
c. Ksitigarbha
d. Samanthabhadra
9. It is the representation of love, virtue and diligence in Mahayana Boddhisattvas.
a. Avalokiteshvara
b. Manjushri
c. Ksitigarbha
d. Samanthabhadra
10. A Mahayana principal Bodhisattvas who helps and liberates all sentient beings
residing in hell.
a. Avalokiteshvara
b. Manjushri
c. Ksitigarbha
d. Samanthabhadra
11. Which of the following bhumi described as the joyful journey?
a. Pramudita-bhumi
b. Vimala-bhumi
c. Prabhakari-bhumi
d. Archismati-bhumi
12. Which of the following bhumi word described as false conceptions?
a. Pramudita-bhumi
b. Vimala-bhumi
c. Prabhakari-bhumi
d. Archismati-bhumi
13. The paramita word Dana means
a. Discipline
b. Diligence
c. Generosity
d. Patience
14. It is described as perfection of patience and forbearance
a. Discipline
b. Diligence
c. Generosity
d. Patience
15. The nature of this paramita if perfection of wisdom.
a. Concentration
b. Diligence
c. Patience
d. Wisdom

Lesson
Mahayana Buddhism
10

What’s In
Before we proceed to the new lesson, let us go back to the previous lesson by
answering the following questions below.

TRUE OR FALSE. Read the following statements. Write TRUE if the statement is
correct and FALSE if the statement is incorrect. Use the separate answer sheet in
answering.

1. Vesak refers to the lunar month that falls in May and “Vesak Day” is the
holiest day for all Buddhists.

2. In Buddhism, stupas are commemorative monuments that contain

sacred relics associated with Siddhartha himself, and the monks and
nuns.
 3. To be accepted into the sangha, one should at least have taken refuge
in Siddhartha.

4. In Pali language, the word pitaka translates as bag referring to the

receptacles where the palm leaf manuscripts were stored by the
monks.

5. The First Basket (Sutta Pitaka) contains the conventional teaching

delivered by Siddhartha on different occasions.

6. The Second Basket (Vinaya Pitaka) is work on moral psychology.

7. The Third Basket (Abhidhamma Pitaka), contains the disciplinary code

required of Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis).

8. Human existence or what we call soul, is a composite of six mental or

physical aggregates or khandas.

9. Siddhartha analyzed the problem of dukkha that led him to arrive to the
basic law of causation or the “Four Noble Truths.”

10. Karma means law of cause and effect.

Notes to the Teacher

Alternative Delivery Mode contains helpful tips or strategies that will help you in guiding the learners in learning the Mahayana Buddh
 What’s New

PANDEMIC PRAYER-NEWS ALERT!

'Prayer Is Not Enough.' The Dalai Lama on

Why We Need to Fight Coronavirus
With Compassion

Sometimes friends ask me to help with some problem in the world, using some “magical
powers.” I always tell them that the Dalai Lama has no magical powers. If I did, I would
not feel pain in my legs or a sore throat. We are all the same as human beings , and we
experience the same fears, the same hopes, the same uncertainties.
From the Buddhist perspective, every sentient being is acquainted with suffering and the
truths of sickness, old age and death. But as human beings, we have the capacity t o use
our minds to conquer anger and panic and greed. In recent years I have been stressing
“emotional disarmament”: to try to see things realistically and clearly, without the
confusion of fear or rage. If a problem has a solution, we must work to find it ; if it does
not, we need not waste time thinking about it.
We Buddhists believe that the entire world is interdependent. That is why I often speak
about universal responsibility. The outbreak of this terrible coronavirus has shown that
what happens to one person can soon affect every other being. But it also reminds us that
a compassionate or constructive act—whether working in hospitals or just
observing social distancing—has the potential to help many.
Ever since news emerged about the coronavirus in Wuhan, I have been praying for my
brothers and sisters in China and everywhere else. Now we can see that nobody is immune to
this virus. We are all worried about loved ones and th e future, of both the global economy and
our own individual homes. But prayer is not enough.
This crisis shows that we must all take responsibility where we can. We must combine the
courage doctors and nurses are showing with empirical science to begin to turn this
situation around and protect our future from more such threats.

As a Buddhist, I believe in the principle of impermanence. Eventually, this virus will pass,
as I have seen wars and other terrible threats pass in my lifetime, and we will have the
opportunity to rebuild our global community as we have done many times before. I
sincerely hope that everyone can stay safe and stay calm. At this time of uncertainty, it is
important that we do not lose hope and confidence in the constructive efforts so many are
making.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and a Nobel laureate
Source: https://time.com/5820613/dalai-lama-coronavirus-compassion/

Directions: Write down what you know and what you want to learn about the second
school of Buddhism. Do it on a separate sheet of paper.

What I KNOW What I WANT to learn

Mahayana Buddhism
 What is It

Mahayana Buddhism
Concept Map!
This lesson is divided into four groups:

sacred scriptures

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM
Worship and Beliefs and
observances doctrines

Subdivisions and
selected issues

Mahayana Buddhism

According to Jose and Ong (2016)

believing itself as the more genuine
version of Buddha’s teachings,
Mahayana Buddhism has diverged into
numerous schools with each developing its
own canon and rituals since its founding
more than two thousand years ago.

Mahayana Buddhism also known as

“Great Vehicle” emerged out of the
monastic rule and doctrinal differences
within the original form of Buddhism.
Not a single group but more of an assembly of Buddhist customs, Mahayana
Buddhism is widespread in China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan and Tibet. With its
openness to more traditional religious views, it has developed a wide appeal to
common people and gained tremendous ground in becoming one of the most
successful missionary religion the world (Jose and Ong, 2016).
Source: https:ww buddhism.html

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

As stated by Cornelio et al. (2016), the beginnings of the Mahayana set of

scriptural texts date as far back as the 1st century B.C.E. At around the 1st century
C.E. a monk by the name of Nagarjuna provided a systematic philosophical
articulation of Buddhist doctrine that later became the basis of Mahayana teaching.
At present, the Mahayana school and its various sub school is firmly rooted in
China and Taiwan, Japan and Korea.
During the third century of B.C.E., several subtle variations began to take
place in Buddhism at a time when the Mauryan king Ashoka was propagating
Buddhist gospels through missionary efforts (Jose and Ong, 2016).
The Mahasamghika (“of the Great Sangha”), one of the early Buddhsit
schools may have been the source for the initial growth of Mahayana Buddhism,
especially during the “Second Buddhist Council” that occurred a hundred years after
Buddha’s parinirvana.

Considered a historical event, a religious schism between the Mahasamghika

and Sthavira nikaya (“Sect of the Elders”), another major Buddhist school,
transpired during the said council. These new ideas eventually concretized resulting
in a new form if Buddhism quite different from the original teachings taught by
Siddhartha Gautama and to those accepted by Theravada Buddhists. In short,
Mahayana Buddhism practically became a new religion.
Ironically, while Buddhism was being propagated and gaining support in other
countries even to the remotest places, it was steadily dying in India where it all
started. A series of invasions destroyed numerous Buddhist centers and temples.
The rising tide of Islam in India resulted in the forcible conversion of Buddhists to
the Muslim faith.

Meanwhile, Hinduism was able to gradually absorb challenging religions, such

as Buddhism and Jainism, due to its tolerance and openness to other belief systems.
The Hindu belief that Siddhartha Gautama was a manifestation of Vishnu
contributed to the fading influence of Buddhism in India.
Mahayana Buddhism disappeared in India during the eleventh century. Quite
expectedly, only a handful of Indians became truly Buddhists leading to
contemporary times. Nonetheless, Mahayana Buddhism is still the most popular
branch of Buddhism in the world today.

1. SACRED SCRIPTURES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

According to Jose and Ong (2016), the Mahayana branch accepts the
canonical texts of the Theravada school, such as the Tripitaka (Sanskrit word for
“Three Baskets”) which is the collection of Buddha’s teachings, it also has a wide
array of philosophical and devotional texts, especially since Mahayana Buddhism
initially became more receptive to change and to subsequent innovations even from
indigenous culture.

Mahayana Buddhism includes many sacred writings which are nearly

identical in content with the Pali Canon of the Theravada sect.
The Canon of Mahayana Buddhism also consists of the Tripitaka such as:
1. Sutra Pitaka (Discourse)
2. Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline)
3. Abhidharma Pitaka (Ultimate Doctrine)
 As the original language transmission, Mahayana Buddhism adopted the
Sanskrit rather than the Pali form of common terms strictly used in Theravada
Buddhism, such as sutra (or sutta in Pali) and dharma (or dhamma in Pali).
Buddhist texts were also translated in the local vernacular. The Mahayana school
possesses innumerable figures often lacking in the Theravada literature, including
the bodhisattvas, demons, divinities, and other spirits.

Lotus Sutra
As stated by Jose and Ong, (2016), one of the most popular and prominent
Mahayana Buddhist texts or sutras. Literally means “correct dharma white lotus
sutra” or “Sutra of the Lotus of the wonderful Law” in Sanskrit. A sutra
pertains to one of the discourses of the historical Buddha that comprise the basic text
of Buddhist sacred writing.

The Lotus Sutra is presented as a discourse conveyed by Siddhartha Gautama

before his eventual death. Mahayana tradition maintains that while the sutras were
recorded during Siddhartha Gautama’s lifetime, these sutras were kept for 500years
and reintroduced only during the “Fourth Buddhist Council” in Kashmir in 78 C.E.
The Lotus Sutra contains the most definitive teachings of the Buddha.
Pervading most schools of Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan by way of the
northern transmission, reciting the texts of the Lotus Sutra is considered
propitious.
A key idea within the influential sutra is that all people equally and inherently
possess the so-called “Buddha nature” or “Buddha-hood” which is the
condition of complete happiness and freedom from fear and illusions. In
short, the attainment of enlightenment is open to all people regardless of gender, race,
social status, and education.

2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

The Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, born in the fifth or sixth century C.E. in present-day

Nepal, is considered the historical Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. After he
attained enlightenment at the age of 35, he came to be known as Gautama Buddha
and spent the rest of his life preaching across India. He died at the age of 80.
The concept of trikaya (“three bodies”) pertains to the teaching of Mahayana
Buddhism about the nature of the Buddha and reality. While Theravada Buddhism
puts very limited emphasis on trikaya, this doctrine is very well-mentioned in
Mahayana Buddhism (Jose and Ong, 2016).
The table below summarizes the nature of the three bodies of Buddha.

The Body Nature or Aspect of “Buddha- Manifestation

hood”
1. Dharmakaya Body of absolute truth; Buddha is
absolute nature of all beings transcendent
 2. Sambhogakaya Body that experiences bliss of Buddha’s body of
enlightenment bliss, or enjoyment
body
3. Nirmanakaya Body that manifests the world; Buddha’s earthly
embodiment of dharmakaya in body, just like any
human form other human being’s
body

The dharmakaya is identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute and

beyond existence or non-existence. Everyone can attain this special place which is
beyond perceptual forms. As a body of bliss, the state of sambhogakaya is already
enlightened but remains distinctive. Nirmanakaya is the physical body that
undergoes birth, inhabits the world, and dies in the end.
For Mahayana Buddhists, Buddhas are not individuals who lived in this
world. In some ways, they are simply expressions of the one Buddha reality, such as
that of Siddhartha Gautama. These great Buddhas are to be found in various
heavens enshrined together with other gods and saints. In China, Amitabha, is a very
popular Buddha. In Japan, Vairocana is the great Buddha (Jose and Ong, 2016).

Bodhisattvas
Bodhisattva or “enlightened existence” is the ultimate way for any Buddhist
to live in this world. A Bodhisattva has generated bodhicitta or the spontaneous
desire to achieve the state of being enlightened. The attainment of nirvana is not
confined to one’s self as an arhat (“perfect one”) but must be shared to all striving
beings

The path of the Bodhisattva can also be taken by any ordinary person, which is
a way of selflessness so that one can also be liberated from all forms of suffering in
the cycle of rebirth. Bodhisattvas are embodiment of great compassion.

Mahayana Buddhism as a polytheistic belief continued to grow in time along

with its pantheon of Bodhisattva. Nevertheless, Bodhisattva from those countries
that embraced Mahayana Buddhism differ significantly from one another, such as
those that were adopted in China and Japan (Jose and Ong, 2016).
The Maitreya (“Buddha of the Future”) is the only accepted bodhisattva in
Theravada Buddhism, the oriental Mahayana Buddhism has four other principal
Bodhisattvas such as:
1. Avalokiteshvara
- The most revered and most popular Buddhist deity among the
Bodhisattvas. It is the personification of perfect compassion, probably
representing in Buddhism the sun-god Vishnu of the older Hinduism.
2. Manjushri
- Is the embodiment of wisdom, intelligence, and willpower.
3. Ksitigarbha
- It is the one who helps and liberates all sentient beings residing in hell
4. Samanthabhadra
- It is the representation of love, virtue and diligence.
 Mahayana Buddhism encourages everyone to pursue the path of a
Bodhisattva, assume their vows, and work for the absolute enlightenment of all living
being.

Bhumis and Paramitas

As explained by Jose and Ong, (2016), that based on the Mahayana tradition,
a bodhisattva must pass 10 bhumis (“grounds” of “land”) before attaining the so-
called “Buddha-hood”. These are the extension of the “Eightfold Path” as discussed
in the previous lesson on Theravada Buddhism.
The bhumis are frequently associated with the paramitas (“perfections”),
translated to as “to cross over the other shore,” paramitas imply crossing from the
“sea of suffering” to the “shore of happiness.”
A bodhisattva vow is stated as “May I attain Buddhahoo for the benefit of
all the sentient beings.” The 10 bhumis as lifted from Avatamsaka Sutra or “Flower
Garland Sutra,” one of the most influential sutras of Mahayana Buddhism in East
Asia, are listed below:

Bhumi/meaning Description Paramita Nature

1. Pramudita-bhumi The bodhisattva Dana Paramita Perfection of
(joyful land) starts the journey (Generosity) giving or
joyful with the generosity
inspiration of
enlighment
2. Vimala-bhumi The bodhisattva is Sila Paramita Perfection of
(Land of purity) purified of immoral (Discipline) morality
conduct and
dispositions
3. Prabhakari-bhumi The bodhisattva is Ksanti Paramita Perfection of
(Luminous or purified of the (Patience) patience and
radiant land) “Three Poisons,” forbearance
namely, greed,
hate, and ignorance
4. Archismati-bhumi The bodhisattva Virya Paramita Perfection of
(The Brilliant or burns away all false (Diligence) energy
Blazing Land) conceptions
5. Sudurjaya-bhumi The bodhisattva Dhyana Perfection of
(The land that is goes deeper into Paramita meditation
difficult to meditation and (Meditative
conquer) understands the Concentration)
“Four Noble Truth”
and the
“Two Truths” which
are the conventional
and the ultimate
truths
6. Abhimukhi-bhumi The bodhisattva Prajna Paramita Perfection of
(The land looking sees that all (Wisdom) wisdom
forward to phenomena are
wisdom) without self-essence
 and understands
the nature of
dependent
origination
7. Durangama-bhumi The bodhisattva
(The far-reaching acquires the power
land) of skillful means
(upaya) to help
others realize
enlightenment
8. Achala-bhumi The bodhisattva can
(the immovable no longer be
land) disturbed because
“Buddha-hood” is
within sight
9. Sadhumati-bhumi The bodhisattva
(the land of good understands all
thoughts) dharmas and can
teach others
10. Dharmamegha- The bodhisattva is
bhumi confirmed of the
(the land of “Buddha-hood” and
Dharma Clouds) enters “Tushita
Heaven” or the
heaven of contented
gods

3. WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

According to Jose and Ong, (2016), Buddhism integrates an assortment of

religious practices and devotional rituals with the objective of aiding worshippers in
their journey toward enlightenment and in bringing blessings to everyone. In
Buddhist temples, they pray and chant to pay their respect to the Buddhas and
bodhisattvas, such as (1) Avalokiteshvara, (2) Manjushri, and (3) Amitabha.

They also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay homage to these
important divine beings. Mahayana temples are sacred spaces. Mahayana rituals
can be quite elaborate with the addition of other disciples of Siddhartha Gautama
and important bodhisattvas.
Worshippers also recite chants and undertake pilgrimage to sites of Buddhist
importance. Meditational activities are fundamental in almost all popular forms of
Buddhism. For Theravada and Zen Buddhism, the practice of meditation is the only
means to attain liberation. With the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism in other
places, local culture influenced the development of Mahayana Buddhism practices.
The lotus that symbolizes purity, the eight-spoke wheels that represent the
dharma, and the different hand gestures (mudras) are the important symbols for
Mahayana Buddhism.
4. SUBDIVISIONS AND SELECTED ISSUES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

Subdivisions

The more philosophical side of Indian Mahayana Buddhism was developed

within the context of the two major schools, namely:

(1) Madhyamika (“Intermediate”)

- Adherents stress the transformation of human perception to handle the
truth of that which is ultimately real beyond any duality.
(2) Yogachara (“Practice of Yoga”)
- Thinkers emphasize that the truth a human being perceives does not
exist.

The Pure Land Sect

When believers die, it is their objective to live in the “Pure Land of the
West” or Sukhavati. Amitabha, the god who supervises over a western paradise is the
focus of this sect. Once in Sukhavati, people can experience the delight in hearing
Amitabha teach the dharma in preparation for their entry to nirvana. Aside from
meditations, this Buddhist sect utilizes chants and recitations to focus on helpful
thoughts (Jose and Ong, 2016).

In Japan, by simplifying the sect practices, such as those done by the monk
Honen in the twelfth century, this attracted many followers to the sect Jodo
Buddhism or Jodo-shu (“The Pure Land School”) founded in 1175.
An offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism is the Shin Buddhism or Jodo Shin-shu
(“True Pure Land School”) founded by another Japanese monk Shinran during
the thirteenth century. A disciple of Honan, Shiran preached the primacy of faith and
considered the act of chanting having no value at all.

The Intuitive Sects

The intuitive sects emphasize that salvation is a personal matter and one
cannot receive assistance from other entities, such as another person or
institution., to realize the inner truths of religion.
In short, most elements of religion, from scriptures, temples, statues, prayers,
and rituals are not essential to achieve enlightenment. An individual may be
spiritually enlightened by a sudden spark of insight, either through meditation or
even by accident, beyond words or thoughts.

The Rationalist Sect

Aside from meditational practices, this sect taught that one must utilize
reason and study the scriptures and doctrines to discover Buddhist truths. Chih-I,
the founder of this sect emphasized that acts of studying and contemplation were
both vital for spiritual enlightenment. Apart from instructions on the scriptures and
silent meditation, other means to reach this goal include mystical communion with
the eternal, ascetic discipline, meritorious deeds, and simple faith in the mercy of
the Buddha.
The teachings of Chih-I were introduced in Japan by the monk Saicho that
came to be known as Tendai. During the eleventh century, the Buddhist monk
Uicheon established the Cheontae Buddhist school in Korea.

The Socio-political Sect

Japanese Buddhist, Nichiren Daishonin, teach that the path towards

attaining enlightenment rested solely on the devotion to the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren
(“sun lotus”) Buddhism, which is purely a Japanese phenomenon, perceives itself as
the only rightful version of Buddhism.
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that individuals must take responsibility to
enhance themselves, or what is called “human revolution,” and, in turn, to
improve the world’s lot. Enlightenment is accessible to every individual on earth
simply by opening one’s inherent Buddha-nature in this world. A scripture scholar
and an activist. Nichiren himself is considered a Buddha.

The Nichiren sect of Buddhism is an example of a religious group that came

to have an effect in the socio-political dimension of Japan. Present-day schools of
Nichiren Buddhism include (1) Soka Gakkai, (2) Nichiren Shoshu, and (3) Nicherin
Shu.
Tibetan Buddhism
One of the major distinguishing features of Tibetan Buddhism is the use of
magic as a coping mechanism in the Tibetan way of life. The use of chants and yoga
is also part of Tibetan Buddhism. In utilizing manuals (tantra) for one’s magical
instructions to handle the unknown, it is also known as Tantri Buddhism. The four
major schools of Tibetan Buddhism are the following:
1. Nyingma
2. Kagyu
3. Sakya
4. Gelug
Tibetan Buddhism has its own set of clergies, the lamas, and they are
commonly senior members of the monastic community. The term lama means “the
superior one” and lamas are quite frequently the reincarnation of previous lamas.
The Dalai Lama is the most prominent face of Tibetan Buddhism. The term
Dalai means “ocean” in Mongol referring to the vastness and depth of the person.

Now, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has now been transformed into a
museum but remains a sacred place for many Tibetans.
Selected Issues

Tibet Invasion

For centuries, both China and India have been claiming Tibet as part of their
territories. Tibet practically enjoyed some degree of independence as none of the
claimants pressed their claim. In 1959, the Dalai lama failed in his bid to oust
China’s puppet rule as the Tibetan uprising was defeated by the more powerful
Chinese force. The Dalai lama, together with his followers escaped to India, and are
now living there as refugees.

From 1959 to 1977, almost all the elements of Tibetan Buddhism were
obliterated. While many hundred thousand Tibetans were killed, others were driven
to exile. Presently, the Dalai lama has been continuously visiting other countries
preaching a message of hope and peace. He has been given numerous citations for
various international advocacies and teaching activities such as the Ramon
Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1959), Nobel Peace Prize (1989), U.S.
Congressional Gold Medal (2007), and Templeton Prize (2012).

Engage Activism

Ritual suicides led by the Buddhist monks have transpired in the twentieth
century as a form of protest to governmental actions. As a result of persecutions
undertaken by the government against Buddhist, monks began to lambast the
regime that eventually resulted in the self-immolation of Thich Quang Duc, a
Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk.
In Japan, a litant and missionary form of Buddhism was founded in 1930
called the Soka Gakkai, a religious movement based on the teachings of Nicherin
Buddhism. During the Second World War, the group temporarily disbanded only to
emerge mightily after the war. A political party was even formed by Soka Gakkai, the
Komeito, that became the third most powerful in Japan (Jose and Ong, 2016).
 What’s More

Independent Activity 1

MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE. Read the following statements. Write TRUE if the
statement is correct and change the underlined word or phrase if the statement is
incorrect. Use separate answer sheet in answering.

1. The Lotus Sutra is presented as a discourse conveyed by

Siddhartha Gautama before his eventual death

2. Siddhartha Gautama, born in the fifth or sixth century C.E. in

present-day Nepal, and is considered the historical Buddha in
Mahayana Buddhism.

3. Bodhisattva or “enlightened existence” is the ultimate way for any

Buddhist to live in this world.

4. The Maitreya (“Buddha of the Future”) is the only accepted

bodhisattva in Theravada Buddhism.

5. Based on the Mahayana tradition, a bodhisattva must pass 9

bhumis before attaining the so-called “Buddha-hood”.

Independent Assessment 1

Directions: Below are jumbled words about the 10 bhumis’ meaning. Find out what
the word is and write it on a separate sheet of paper.
Jumbled letters Answer
(10BHUMIS MEANING)
1. JLOUFY JOYFUL
2. UPITYR
3. SOUNILUM
4. ANTLLIBRI
5. NQURECO
6. SDOMIW
7. MMIBLEAOV
8. OOGD
9. ICHNGARE
10. HARMAD
Independent Activity 2

Word cloud: The word cloud below contains various terms (Pali Canon) about the
beliefs and doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism. Classify or categorize them by writing
each word inside the corresponding box below to which it belongs.

Dharmakaya Nirmanakaya
Avalokiteshvara Sila Paramita
Manjushri Ksitigarbha
Sambhogakaya
Samanthabhadra
Prabhakari-bhumi
Ksanti Paramita

A) Buddha B) Bodhisattvas C) Bhumis and Paramitas

Independent Assessment 2

IDENTIFICATION: Choose from the box the appropriate word for the following
statements. Write the answer on the space provided.

Bodhisattva Vairocana Dharmakaya

Virya Paramita Dana Paramita
Flower Garland Sutra Shinran
Sila Paramita Dhyana Paramita Mudras

1. The ultimate way for any Buddhist to live in this world

2. The identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute

and beyond existence or non-existence.
3. The great Buddha in Japan.

4. The Paramita of Generosity.

5. The Paramita of Diligence.

 6. The paramita of Discipline.

7. The Japanese monk and the founder of the True Pure

Land School.
8. The important symbols for Mahayana Buddhism.
9. It is the one of the most influential sutras of Mahayana
Buddhism in East Asia.
10. The nature of this paramita is a perfection of meditation.

Independent Activity 3

i-EMOTICON-MO! Draw if the statement is correct about the different

subdivisions/sects of Mahayana Buddhism, otherwise, draw . Use separate
answer sheet of paper or a notebook in answering.

1. An offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism is the Shin Buddhism or Jodo

Shin-shu (“True Pure Land School”) founded by another Japanese
monk Shinran
2. The intuitive sects emphasize that salvation is a personal matter and
one cannot receive assistance from other entities
3. The rationalist sect taught that one must utilize reason and study the
scriptures and doctrines to discover Buddhist truths
4. Yogachara, adherents stress the transformation of human perception

5. Madhyamika, thinkers emphasize that the truth a human

being perceives does not exist.

Independent Assessment 3

FILL IN THE BLANKS. Fill in the blanks with the correct word to complete the
sentences about the worship and observances of Mahayana Buddhism. Use separate
answer sheet in answering.

Buddhism integrates an assortment or variety of religious (1)

and devotional (2) with the objective of aiding
worshippers in their journey toward enlightenment and in bringing (3)
to everyone. In Buddhist temples, they (4) and
chant to pay their (5) to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, such as
(1) Avalokiteshvara, (2) Manjushri, and (3) Amitabha.

They also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay homage to these
important divine (6) . Mahayana temples are (7)
spaces. Mahayana rituals can be quite elaborate with the addition of other
disciples of Siddhartha Gautama and important bodhisattvas.
 Worshippers also recite chants and undertake pilgrimage to sites of Buddhist
importance. Meditational activities are fundamental in almost all popular forms of
Buddhism. For Theravada and Zen Buddhism, the practice of (8)
is the only means to attain (9) . With the introduction of Mahayana
Buddhism in other places, local culture influenced the development of Mahayana
Buddhism practices.

The lotus that symbolizes purity, the eight-spoke wheels that represent the
dharma, and the different hand gestures (mudras) are the important (10)
for Mahayana Buddhism.

What I Have Learned

Fill out the KWL chart below with the information you have heard, discussed, and
learned about the lesson. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Mahayana K W L
Buddhism (What I know) (What I want to (What I have
know) learned)

Sacred scriptures

Beliefs and
doctrines

Worship and
observances

Subdivisions and
Selected Issues
 What I Can Do

ESSAY. Read carefully the following question and give your answer in 3-5 sentences.
Write your response on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Why is Mahayana Buddhism appealing to a vast majority of followers?

.
Your essay will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Content/ Relevance to the topic - 10 points
Organization of ideas - 10 points
Quality of writing - 5 points
Total - 25 points

Assessment

JUMBLED LETTERS. Arrange the jumbled letters to reveal the hidden words that
being describe in the following items. Use separate sheet of paper for your answer.

LAIDA MALA
1. The is the most prominent face of Tibetan Buddhism.
GRATE HICLEEV
2. Mahayana Buddhism also known as “ ” emerged
out of the monastic rule and doctrinal differences within the original
form of Buddhism.
GARTE HASAGN
3.The Mahasamghika (“ ”), one of the early
Buddhist schools may have been the source for the initial growth of
Mahayana Buddhism.
TEERH KTSEBAS
4. the collection of Buddha’s teachings.
MATEITLU DCOTERIN
5. Abhidharma Pitaka

COURDISSE SCIPDILINE
6. Sutra Pitaka 7. Vinaya Pitaka
SUTOL SRAUT
8. One of the most popular and prominent Mahayana Buddhist texts or
sutras
DDHAUB-HDOO
9. The condition of complete happiness and freedom from fear and
illusions.
HREET BSDIEO
10.It pertains to the teaching of Mahayana Buddhism about the
nature of the Buddha and reality.
NICNERIH BUSMIHDD
11. It teaches that individuals must take responsibility to enhance
themselves, or what is called “human revolution.”

BETANTI BUSMIHDD
12. the lamas are its own set of clergies, and they are commonly senior
members of the monastic community.

NICNERIH DAININSHO

13. Japanese Buddhist, , teach that the path towards

attaining enlightenment rested solely on the devotion to the Lotus
Sutra.
ICHOAS
14. The monk that introduced Chi-I teachings in Japan

TUIINTIVE SECTS

15. The sect that emphasize salvation is a personal matter and one
cannot receive assistance from other entities, such as another person
or institution
 Additional Activities

SPECIAL REPORT

Prepare a special report on the Subdivisions and Selected Issues about

Mahayana Buddhism. Your report will be guided by the following.

a. Describe the different subdivisions Mahayana Buddhism.

My Special report

Your output will be checked using the following criteria:

Content Organization Conventions
40 points 40 points 10 points
The presence of ideas The order developed and Grammar, mechanics,
developed through facts, sustained within and across spelling, usage and
examples, details, paragraph using transitional sentence formation.
opinions, reasons, and/or devices and including
explanations. introduction and conclusion.
Answer Key
References
Cornelio, J. S. PhD., et. al., Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, for
Senior High School, Rex Bookstore. 2016

https://time.com/5820613/dalai-lama-coronavirus-compassion/

https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/mahayana-buddhism.html

Ong, J.A., DL Jose, M.J. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, for Senior
High School, Vibal Group, Inc. 2016
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

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