The Spread of Buddhism Theravada School Mahayana School

After the Buddha – The Sangha Sangha: Small community of monks established at the first sermon in the Deer Park Monks wandered – spreading the word of Buddhism across India Councils met to discuss sutras. Council meeting in 383BC resulted in a division 1. Sthaviradada: argued to keep the sutras unchanged 2. Mahasanghika: argued for a more literature to be included in the sutra Resulted in 2 branches: Theravada School Mahayana School

Branches of Buddhism Theravada School Little Vehicle Way of the Elders Conservative Mahayana School Northern School The Greater Vehicle More liberal TEXTBOOK MAPPING EXERCISE: Page 194

Spread of Buddhism

Comparison TheravadaMahayana Beliefs Humans are individuals key virtue –wisdom Monks Arhat Buddha the saint Humans are involved with others key virtue – compassion Monk and layperson Bodhisattva Buddha the saviour PracticesPray through meditation Pray for requests (varies) ScriptureEarly scriptures Pali Early scriptures plus others sutras

Comparison continued Theravada BuddhismMahayana Buddhism Moved primarily South and West covering Indochina and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka). Moved Primarily North and West, covering China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet Followed as a teaching or Philosophy. Followed with reference to higher beings, more like a religion. Intense, dedicated and time- consuming effort required to attain enlightenment. Enlightenment is achieved through a normal life with varying degrees of spiritual involvement.

Agreements The Buddha is the only master One must take refuge in the Buddha, dharma and Sangha This world was not created and ruled by a god One must follow the example of the Buddha One must accept the Four Noble Truths All things are impermanent