Theravada and Mahayana are the two main schools of thought discussed in Edward Conze’s Buddhism: It’s Essence and Development. Theravada Buddhists believe they practice the original form of Buddhism, and from this form came others such as Mahayana Buddhism. Despite the fact that Mahayana Buddhism derived from Theravada Buddhism, many differences still exist.
Theravada Buddhism is the oldest surviving Buddhist school of thought. This is believed to be true because it draws its spiritual inspiration from Pali, which is composed of the earliest surviving record of the Buddha’s teachings. Pali is believed to be the spoken language used in India during the time of Siddhartha Guatama, the Buddha. It is believed that the greater ones understanding of Pali, the deeper the appreciation of the Buddha’s teachings. Theravada Buddhism is practiced predominantly in Sri Lanka, where it was once the primary religion, but followers also reside in Cambodia, Burma, and Thailand. Despite the fact that most of Theravada Buddhism’s roots are in Southeast Asia, it is recently becoming increasingly popular in the West.
The structure of Theravada Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths were part of the framework that the Buddha set forth in the delivery of his first sermon. The Buddha spoke of these four fundamental principles of nature is his teachings on how to reach the ultimate spiritual awakening. Buddha states in his teachings that because we are ignorant to the Four Noble truths, we are bound to samsara, the cycle of birth, aging, illness, death, and rebirth. Every action has a consequence according to the law of karma, and ignorance of this principle will only lead to a meaningless existence. By gaining release from samsara, this paves the way for Awakening, also know as Nirvana. Nirvana is the highest goal of Theravada Buddhism. It is the end of ignorance, craving, and suffering. Nirvana is attained through study and practice of morality, meditation, and wisdom. By meditating, a practitioner can gain valuable insight on himself/herself as well as understanding the concepts of Dhamma better.
Theravada Buddhism can also be referred to as Hinaya Buddhism or “the Lesser Vehicle”. It is referred to as this because not many people can spend the necessary amount of time meditating and concentrating as needed to reach Nirvana according to Theravada Buddhism. Consequently, samsara would become and endless process and enlightenment would never be reached. This “pessimistic outlook” steered many people away from Theravada Buddhism. Therefore, at the Second Council following Buddha’s death, just as Protestant reformers branched off from Catholicism in the sixteenth century, 18 different branches of Buddhism arose. The main focus of this offspring is Mahayana Buddhism, or “the Greater Vehicle”.
There are several ways in which Mahayana Buddhism differs from Theravada Buddhism. Perhaps the most prominent difference is their views on salvation and liberation. Theravada is considered to be somewhat of a “selfish” religion because it focuses on total self-reliance to reach Nirvana. On the other hand, Mahayana Buddhists believe in helping each other reach enlightenment. Bodhisattvas, although prevalent in both sects, take on different roles in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhists view Bodhisattvas as merely a guide in helping to reach individual enlightenment, while Mahayana Buddhists see Bodhisattvas not as a command for individual perfection, but to save all beings from suffering. Mahayana Buddhists simply view Bodhisattvas as superior human beings who have delayed their enlightenment to help others reach salvation.
These two types of Buddhism also have different views on the Buddha himself. Theravada Buddhists believe the Buddha is a “flesh and blood” tangible human being. There is simply one Buddha in each global time period and only Guatama and past Buddha are worshipped. However, Mahayana Buddhists beliefs are quite different regarding Buddha. They believe in three bodies of the Buddha, only one of which is tangible. These consist of the Appearance body, the Dharma body, and the Enjoyment body. Mahayana Buddhists also believe that each individual carries the potential for Buddhahood within himself and will eventually become a Buddha. Theravada Buddhists say that this potential can only be realized through individual effort without the intervention of Bodhisattvas.
The language of these two religions is also a distinguishing characteristic of each. The language of teaching in Theravada Buddhism is Tipitaka. Tipitaka can only be translated into Pali and has never been able to be accurately translated into any major language. Mahayana Buddhist writings were first written in Sanskrit and can be translated into numerous languages. The first Theravada writings were followed as teachings of philosophy, while Sanskrit writings by Mahayana Buddhists were used more as religious texts, with references to higher beings.
Despite the fact that Theravada and Mahayana are two separate divisions of Buddhism and distinctions between the two are found, hardly any differences are present regarding their fundamental teachings. The Four Noble Truths as well as the Eight Fold Path are exactly the same in both schools of thought. Both Theravada and Mahayana accept Buddha as their teacher and reject the idea of an ultimate being that created the world. Both types of Buddhism believe that compassion is the purpose in life and necessary in order to develop wisdom, which leads to Enlightenment. And lastly, together they take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Theravada Buddhism, the first school of thought in the Buddhist faith, laid the groundwork for many to follow. The most predominant is Mahayana Buddhism. There are both similarities and differences that exist between these two faiths, both unifying and distinguishing them from one another.
The above essay was written by Becca Moist and merely states opinions by a college student. However, if you feel strong about responding to the opinions stated, please write to articles@directorym.com and express your concerns.