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    354 views12 pages

    Introduction To World Religion and Belief System Week 11 Q2

    Uploaded by

    Jefferson Gonzales

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Quarter 2 - Module 11 Comparative Analysis of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism G What I Need to Know Good day, this is Teacher Tina. How are you? In Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, the concept of dharma is an integral tenet. Do you know what dharma is? Don't worry if you have no idea what itis. This module is here to help you understand this concept and many others. Ready? Then, let's begin. ps yess Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism Al the end of the module, you should be able to: IK: Identify the similar features of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism; 'S: Conduct a comparative analysis ofthe two major Buddhism sects; and ‘A: show appreciation to the differences and similarities of the two religions’bel systems. a What I Know Directions: Write T if the statement is TRUE, and F if itis FALSE. Write your answers in your activity notebook. 41. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, trace their origin in China. 2. Buddhism is founded by Siddhartha Gautama who is also referred to as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.” 3. The two major schools of Buddhism, the Theravada and Mahayana sects, follow the “Four Noble Truths” and the "Noble Eightfold Path.” 4, Buddhist followers, life and events are controlled by an all-powerful creator or universal force. 5. Apperson who has altained a perfected state of insight is called bodhisattvas or “enlightened beings” in Theravada school of Buddhism. 6. Arhat or a ‘worthy person” in Mahayana sect, delay their own fulfilment for them to benevolently aid other beings to reach their ultimate end. 7. The Buddhist goal is to reach nirvana or the extinguishing of fires of longing and suffering. 8. Theravada Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone, including those with families and secular careers. 9. A Buddhist's destiny is the direct result of natural law or dharma and one’s accumulated deeds or karma, 140. Women in Buddhism have enjoyed considerable freedom in their religious life compared to their Hindus counterpart. a What’s In In the previous module, we have discussed the core teachings, fundamental beliefs, and related issues of Mahayana Buddhism. You have also learned how it ‘seems to have an interesting appeal toa vast majority of followers, In this module, we will explore the connection between the two Buddhist religions- Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and how essential is the concept of dharma in these two major sects of Buddhism. We What’s New Instructions: Look at the pictures of boahisattvas (enlightened beings) in Buddhism below. Afterwards, be ready to accomplish the prepared actvily for you 41. Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion Avalokiteshvara represents the activity of Karuna ~ compassion, active sympathy, gentle affection, The name Avalokiteshvara is usually translated to mean "The Lore Who Looks Down in Pity" or "The One Wha Hears the Cries of the World" 2. Manjusri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom The name *Manjushvi” (also spelled Manjusr) means "He Who Is Noble and Gentle." This bodhisattva represents insight and awareness. Manjushri sees into the ‘essence of all phenemena and perceives their noncual nature. He clearly realizes the boundless nature of soft. 3. Kshitigarbha, Savior of Beings in Hell never Gay maze Khitigarbha (Sanskrit, "Womb ofthe Earth’) is known as Tetssang or Dicang in China ‘and Jizo in Japan. He is venerated as the savior of beings in hell and as a quide to deceased ‘hidren. Kshiligarbha has vowed not o rest unl he has empted hel ofall beings. He is also the protecior of living children, expectant mothers, fremen, and wavelets. 4, Mahasthamaprapta and the Power of Wisdom Mahasthamaprapia (Sanskrit, "One Who Has Oblained Great Power") ‘awakens in humans their need to be liberated from Samsara (the beginningless cycle ‘of repeated birth, mundane existence and dying again) ‘5. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva - Buddhist Icon of Practice ‘Samantabhadra (Sansiit, “He Who Is AllPervadinaly Good") is called Fugen in Japan ‘and Pu-Hsien or Puxian in China. He isthe protector of those who teaches the Dharma and represents the meditation and practice of the Buddhas. ‘Based on the above facts about the major bodhisativas in Buddhism, complete the table below in your activity notebook. Name of Bodhisattva English translation of —_Significance/ Power/Duty Name SD) wnat is te Comparative Analysis of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism Both the Buddhist schools originated in India. In Buddhism (Mahayana and Theravada), dharma is an integral concept. Dharma (Sanskrit) or dhamma (Pali) sa ‘word Buddhists use offen. It may pertain to the cosmic law and order or to Buddha's teachings. Apart from the Buddha and the sangha, the dharma is one of the “Three Jewels” to which Buddhist followers go for refuge. The word often is defined as “the teachings of the Buddha,” but dharma is really more than just a label for Buddhist doctrines, as we shall see below. ‘The word dharma comes from the ancient religions of India and is foun Hindu and Jain teachings, as well as Buddhist. Is original meaning is something like “natural law.” Its root word, dham, means "to uphold” or “to suppor.” In this broad sense, common to many religious traditions, dharma is that which upholds the natural ‘order ofthe universe. This meaning is also part of the Buddhist understanding. In addition, dharma supports the practice of those who are in harmony with it On this level, dharma refers to ethical conduct and righteousness. In some Hindu ‘traditions, charma is used to mean "sacred duty." For more on the Hindu perspective of the word dharma, see" What is Dharma?” by Subhamoy Das. Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism Dhamma is the nature of whats; the truth of what the Buddha taught. In Theravada Buddhism, as in the quote above, itis sometimes used to indicate all the factors of existence. ‘Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote that "Dhamma, on the external level, refers to the path of practice the Buddha taught to his followers” This Dhamma has three levels of ‘meaning: the words of the Buddha, the practice of his teaching, and the attainment af enlightenment. So, Dhamma is not just doctrines~it is teaching plus practice plus enlightenment Dharma in Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism generally uses the word dharma to refer to both the teachings of the Buddha and the realization of enlightenment. More often than not, se of the word incorporates both meanings at once. Mahayana texts sometimes use the word dharma to mean something like "manifestation of realty.” To speak of someone's understanding of dharma is not to comment on how ‘well hat person can recite Buddhist doctrines but on his state of realization. In the Zen tradition, for example, to present or expound upon the dharma usually refers to [presenting some aspect of the true nature of realty. ‘The Dharma Body Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists speak of the "dharma body” (ghammakaya or charmakaya). This is also called the “truth body." ‘Very simply, in Theravada Buddhism, a Buddha (an enlightened being) is understood to be the living embodiment of dharma. This does not mean that a Buddha's physical body (rupa-kaya) is the same thing as dharma, however. Its a bit ‘loser to ito say thatthe dharma becomes visible or tangible in a Buddha In Mahayana Budchism, the dharmakaya is one of the three bodies (ti-kaya) ‘of a Buddha. The dharmakaya is the unity of all things and beings, unmanifested, ‘beyond existence and non-existence. In sum, the word dharma is nearly indefinable. But to the extent that it can be defined, we can say that dharma is both the essential nature of realty and also the teachings and practices that enable the realization ofthat essential nature. ‘There are mare than 370 million Buddhists around the wortd that represent ‘about 8% of the entire population. Quite interestingly, while Buddhism began in India, it almost died out as a living religion in its place of origin. Majority ofits folowers can ‘be found in China Japan, Korea, and Indochina Peninsula. The major sects of Buddhism include Theravada and Mahayana schools of thought. Let us naw explore the different aspects where these two schools are alike and

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