branches of buddhism the 2 main schools of buddhism are mahayana and theravada
TRANSCRIPT
Branches of
BuddhismThe 2 main schools
of Buddhism are Mahayana and
Theravada
Early Buddhism After Buddha’s parinirvana: the sangha continued to operate. They met to keep the teachings consistent. Since the monks and nuns travelled a lot, the
views began to change. Buddhist practices merged with local
customs. The community disagreed about which
scriptures to recognize. Both the main schools recognize the Tripitaka
as their scripture.
Where in the world are the Buddhists?
Theravada Buddhism The “way of the elders”, formerly known as
Hinayana (“the lesser vehicle”) Oldest, most conservative Only accepts Tripitaka does not see Buddha as a god meditation helps monks reach enlightenment Ideal human state = arhat Spread initially through monks and nuns sent
out by the Emperor Ashoka
Theravadin practices Lay people’s main focus is 3 things: Dana (giving to monks) – sila (morality) –
bhavana (meditation, beginning w puja) Monks live a very structured life of
meditation, study and chanting; community supports them completely.
Their goal is panna (wisdom) – sila (morality) – samadhi (mental training to reach enlightenment)
Performing dana “Thai monks collecting alms”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN-f-2uG-kI
Mahayana Buddhism This branch includes Zen, Pure Land Buddhism,
Tibetan (aka Vajrayana) and others. “the greater vehicle” Many Mahayana Buddhists see Buddha as god Believe in many Buddhas and people pray to
them Ideal human state = bodhisattva (also
Buddhahood) Recognize Tripitaka and many sutras as scriptures Rituals reflect culture of the people
Mahayana devotion Compared to Theravada, Mahayana is far more
devotional (love of a god) and lay-focused.
Cundi and Avalokitesvara (many forms exist of both)
Bodhisattva’s paying respect to the Buddha (l), Matreiya Buddha(r), the Buddha who is yet to come – sometimes depicted as Budai
Amida Buddha (Pure Land Sect) (l) and Guan Yin (r) with Amida Buddha in her crown. Guan Yin has many names and forms in different countries – often called Goddess of Mercy
Mahayana practices Meditation – focus on an object (a Buddha image,
a flower), a saying of B. Meditation varies – sitting, walking, working
Chanting mantras, e.g. OM MANI PADME HUM (Tibetan) –counted on a mala
Compassion Specific practices
for certain subgroups Puja dana
Mahayana subgroups
Zen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_
WAi2fwUqN4 (asian art museum) The Zen Mind http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK_4Z5DZcNM
Branch comparisons Theravada Humans are
individual Wisdom is key belief Religion is for monks Meditation is the key
practice Early scriptures in
Pali (dhamma, kamma)
Mahayana Communities are
important Compassion is key
belief Religion is for
everyone People pray for
requests Scriptures in Sanskrit
(dharma, karma)
What both schools agree on Buddha is the only master and the ideal
example One must take refuge in the Buddha, dharma
and sangha This world is not created by a god One must accept the 4 Noble Truths All things are impermanent
How is Tibet different? emerged later in history (750 CE) included in Mahayana AKA esoteric Buddhism Combined with native Tibetan religion Ritualistic (mantras and using thangkas and
mandalas) – builds concentration Spiritual and political leader is Dalai Lama Scriptures are translated to Tibetan Practices include prayer wheels, flags and
singing bowls
Tibetan Buddhism Like other Mahayana groups, there is great
concern for gaining merit (another word for good karma) and spreading compassion and peace.
Creating mandalas, chanting, Tibetan music and dress (Crow Museum of Asian Art)
Tibetan tour – prayer flags, wheels, mani stone pile (4:16)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOVvjim1ZRY Life of an Australian Buddhist monk (5:23) “The Monk
Story” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRHkivEzCfw A Day in the Life of Buddhist Zen Monks (1:52) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD9WDlwVYgwBuddhist Spirituality and Modernity Tibet Tech Prayer Wheel (1:40)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lgbx2D_bVk Traditional Prayer wheels (both less than 1 min) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=633eH4yajHE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czFjg1xpfxM Tibetan singing bowl (2:53) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn-J9-LQRw8
Buddhism and Modernity Jews in Buddhism http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoWP1w4X3ws
Soka Gakkai - http://www.sgi.org/ The Beastie Boys – Bodhisattva Vow http://
www.viduse.com/Play/4384047/0/Beastie-Boys/Bodhisattva-Vow.html