Theravada Vs Mahayana Buddhism – What Are The Differences?

1. Theravada Vs Mahayana What Are TheDifferences? Buddhism– Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It began in the 6th century BCE in Nepal. Today, it has an international following of over 500 million people. But Buddhism isn’t a single set of beliefs or practices. In fact, Buddhism is split into two major branches: Theravada and Mahayana. What are the major differences between Theravada vs MahayanaBuddhism? And why did they split in the first place? These two branches of Buddhism each have their own unique identity. And you might be surprised by what each can offer the beginner practitioner learning how to practiceBuddhism. Theravada Vs Mahayana – Why Did TheySplit? Almost every major religion in the world is made up of smaller branches. And it makessense — when you’ve got millions of followers, not everyone is going to agree oneverything.

2. This is the story of Buddhism as well. The core teachings of Buddhism have been reinterpreted many times over the years. And there are two schools of Buddhism that have created a distinct identity forthemselves. Theravada Buddhism came first. It focuses on the teachings of The Buddha through strict meditation and the Buddha’s Eightfold Path to enlightenment. Theravada Buddhists seek to become an arhat, or fully awakened beings. Becoming an arhat requires great dedication. In fact, it’s usually only attempted bymonks. On the other hand, Mahayana tradition aimed to incorporate newer teachings into the practice. It also gave laypeople the chance to reach Enlightenment. With less emphasis on the original Pali canon and a focus on encouraging everyone toward Enlightenment, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism wasestablished. What Are The Major Differences Between Theravada Vs Mahayana Buddhism? The two major branches of Buddhism have their own interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings. But it’s important to remember that while Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are unique, they still are based on the same beliefs.

3. At the end of the day, Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha. They just have different ways of going aboutit. • Here’s a quick breakdown of the major differences between Theravada vs Mahayana Buddhism. • Major Features Of Theravada Buddhism: • Called “The School of the Elders” • Follows teachings inPali • Mainly practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, andMyanmar • Focus on individualattainment of Enlightenmentor becoming anarhat • Uses samatha and vipassanameditation • Major Features Of Mahayana Buddhism: • Called “The GreaterVehicle” • Follows teachings inSanskrit • Mainly practiced in Nepal, Japan, China, Tibet, andKorea • Focus on the Bodhisattva path of encouraging and teachingothers • Uses chanting of mantras andsutras • While Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism take different approaches to Buddhism, both follow the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. These were the core teachings of the Buddha when he was alive and remain at the center of both branches of Buddhism today. • Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are unique in their approach to the teachings. Is one better than the other? No. They’re simply different. In fact, in many instances, the two branches coexist quiteharmoniously. • Another common thread these Buddhist schools share? Meditation. As Deborah King, Author of Mindvalley’s Be A Modern Master Programsays, “Meditation is the firmest foundation on which to build your spiritualtemple.”