Comparative Analysis

of Mahayana and
Theravada Buddhism
Presented By: Group 3
MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Mahayana and

Theravada Buddhism.
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. Identify the similar features of Theravada and
Mahayana Buddhism;
2. Conduct a comparative analysis of the two major
Buddhism sects; and
3. Show appreciation to the differences and similarities of
the two religions/belief systems.
• Both the Buddhist schools originated
in India.
• Apart from the Buddha and the
sangha, the dharma is one of the
"Three Jewels"
• dharma defined as "the teachings of
the Buddha"
• original meaning is something like
"natural law."
• root word, dham, means "to uphold"
or "to support."
• dharma is that which upholds the
natural order of the universe.
 The Concept of Dharma
Dharma in Theravada Dharma in Mahayana
Buddhism Buddhism
• refers to the teachings of the • signify both the teachings of
Buddha and the nature of the Buddha and the
reality itself. realization of enlightenment.
• encompasses the words of • describe the manifestation of
the Buddha, the practice of reality itself.
his teachings, and the • about attaining a state of
attainment of enlightenment. realization and
• path to realizing the truth comprehending the true
and ending suffering. nature of existence.
 The Dharma Body
• Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists
recognize the concept of the "dharma body"
(dhammakaya or dharmakaya).
• In Theravada Buddhism, a Buddha is seen as the
living embodiment of dharma
• While in Mahayana Buddhism, the dharmakaya is
one of the three bodies (tri-kaya) of a Buddha,
representing the unity of all things and beings,
beyond existence and non-existence.
 Origin
• Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism trace their origins to the
teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who lived in northern
India around the 6th century BCE. The Buddha's teachings, known as
the Dharma, form the foundation of both traditions.
• Around the 1st century CE, a schism within the Buddhist religion
resulted in the emergence of the Theravada and Mahayana schools.
While both branches owe their fundamental teachings to the Buddha,
they developed distinct interpretations and practices over time.
• Theravada Buddhism became prevalent in Southeast Asia, including
countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, gained a strong foothold in
East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
 Moral Principles
• Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism follow the "Four
Noble Truths" and the "Eightfold Path" as formulated by the
Buddha. These teachings guide moral thoughts and actions,
emphasizing the avoidance of harm and the cultivation of
compassion and wisdom.
• Unhappiness of life (dukkha) is principally caused by people's
unending desires. People are advised to scrutinize their
motivations and ponder upon the outcome of their actions
keeping in mind Buddha's teachings.
• Anything harmful to others, in deed and in thought, must
always be avoided.
 Purpose
• The principal purpose of both branches is to terminate all
forms of suffering caused by attachment to impermanent
entities. By recognizing the impermanence of material
things and desires, individuals can free themselves from
attachment and end the cycle of rebirth.
• In Theravada Buddhism, the monastic way of life is seen
as the primary path to enlightenment
• While Mahayana Buddhism offers the possibility of
enlightenment to anyone, including laypeople, through
the practice of the bodhisattva ideal.
 Destiny
• In Buddhism, one's destiny is not determined by an external force but
by the law of causality and one's accumulated deeds or karma.
Buddhists believe that their actions shape their future circumstances,
and they control their own fate through ethical conduct.
• Buddhist destiny, therefore, is the direct result of natural law or
dharma and one's accumulated deeds or karma.
• The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to achieve nirvana, a state of perfect
peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
• In Theravada Buddhism, this is accomplished through the
development of ethical conduct, meditation, and insight, leading to the
realization of an arhat or "worthy person."
• In Mahayana Buddhism, the bodhisattva ideal is
emphasized, where enlightened beings delay their
own nirvana to help others attain enlightenment.
• The Theravada sect recognizes only Maitreya as a
bodhisattva.
• Mahayana tradition worships several bodhisattvas,
such as Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Ksitigarbha, and
Samantabhadra, who are believed to aid beings in
their journey towards enlightenment.
 Views on Women
• Buddhism has allowed for the full participation of women in religious
rites and practices, a radical departure from many other traditions of
its time. The Buddha himself permitted women to join the monastic
order and attain enlightenment on equal footing with men
• Throughout history, there have been many learned women members
of the Buddhist sangha (monastic community), such as
Dhammadinna, Khema, and Uppalavanna, who have made significant
contributions to the religion.
• In Buddhist societies, men and women are considered equal in value
and status. Women are expected to fulfill their roles as wives and
mothers, while also being encouraged to engage in trade, business,
and other aspects of society alongside men.
 Additional Information: Bodhisattvas
(Enlightened Beings) in Buddhism
1.Avalokiteshvara
• Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of
Compassion, represents the activity
of karuna – active sympathy, gentle
affection, and compassion for all
beings.
• usually translated to mean "The
Lord Who Looks Down in Pity" or
"The One Who Hears the Cries of
the World.
2.Manjusri
• Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of
Wisdom, represents insight
and awareness. He
perceives the nondual
nature of all phenomena
and realizes the boundless
nature of self.
• "Manjushri" (also spelled
Manjusri) means "He Who
Is Noble and Gentle."
3.Kshitigarbha
• Kshitigarbha, the Savior of
Beings in Hell, has vowed to
guide and liberate beings from
the realms of suffering. He is
also the protector of children,
expectant mothers, and
travelers.
• Kshitigarbha (Sanskrit, "Womb
of the Earth") is known as Ti-
ts'sang or Dicang in China and
Jizo in Japan.
4.Mahasthamaprapta and the Power of Wisdom
• Mahasthamaprapta
(Sanskrit, "One Who Has
Obtained 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
• Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of
Practice, represents the meditation and
practice of the Buddhas. He is the
protector of those who teach the Dharma.
• Samantabhadra (Sanskrit, "He Who Is All-
Pervadingly Good") is called Fugen in
Japan and P'u-Hsien or Puxian in China.