Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

1. Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

2. Theravada • What does it mean? • Who practices Theravada Buddhism? • How many people in the world practice Theravada? • What role do everyday people play in the tradition of Theravada Buddhism? • What book does the Theravada people use to guide their worship?

3. Mahayana • What does it mean? • Where is Mahayana practices most? • How popular is Mahayana Buddhism? • What role do everyday people play in the traditions of Mahayana Buddhism? • 4 Bodhisattva vows • What book is used to guide the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism?

4. How are the Two the Same? • Both believe that Buddha is their teacher. • The Four Noble Truths are the same. • Eightfold Path is the same. • Both do not agree with the idea that a supreme being made the world.

5. How are They Different? Theravada Mahayana • Only historical Buddha is accepted. • In order to achieve enlightenment or nirvana one much be a monk and give ones desires away. • They believe that it is up to ones self to fully achieve nirvana. • Along with Gautama other types of Buddha's are very popular. • Everyone can experience nirvana at the end of their life no matter where they come from. • They consider ones journey to enlightenment can be a group effort

6. Continued Theravada Mahayana • Practiced more in Southern Asia. • All scriptures are in Pali. • Not a ritual based school of Buddhism • Not much is done for the dying, told to meditate • Practiced more in Northern Asia • Translated into more of the local languages. • Rituals are used a lot more • Many rituals are done to help with the dying to help with their rebirth

7. Lastly Theravada Mahayana • There is no in-between life in this school of Buddhism • Only eat one meal a day • Not vegetarians • They teach that there is Bardo, the in-between area after death. • People of this school can practice it and if one does they are very respected. Not a lot of forcing of this tradition. • Vegetarians