Buddhism Sects Essay, Research Paper
Buddhism Sects
The similarities and differences between Theravada and Vajrayana
Before we compare and contrast these two different sects of the same religion, we probably need to define the why first. There appears to quite a few different splinters of Buddhism, however they seem to all have the same goal, just a different way of achieving that goal. Why? I believe it all comes down to interpretation. Since Guatama Buddha did not have any written record of his teachings and the first documented record of his teachings didn’t appear until almost 150 years after his death, this leaves the door wide open for interpretation. I remember doing a game in grammar school when the teacher would line everyone up, tell the first person in the line a secret and then have them pass it on to next person in the line and so on. By the time the secret reached the last person, and was asked to reveal the secret, it was never the same as the original. I would deduce this to each child’s interpretation of the secret being told from his/her perspective and a possibly some forgetfulness. In some cases the core content would be totally lost.
I would like to first identify the similarities between these two sects, as this is probably simplest part. First and foremost these two religions are Buddhism and they both have as their common goal, enlightenment. They both utilize the same ideology of being vessels that take one across the great river of life to the ultimate, Nirvana. It is the here where I believe the basic similarity end.
There are two main divisions of Buddhism, Hinayana – Buddhism for the people (the big raft) and Theravada – The way of the elders (the little raft). Within Hinayana you will also find separate sects, one of which is Vajrayana. There are a few major differences between Hinayana and Theravada that first need to be established. Theravada Buddhist claims their division to be the purest form of the original teachings by which each person finds enlightenment by oneself and this is through wisdom. Hinayana claims that Buddha was a teacher (not an example to live by), one who shows the way to enlightenment and allows the followers to achieve Nirvana and remain in the same. This is found through compassion and through a universal effort.
Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism) is distinctly Hinayana in it’s core beliefs, however the differences between another Hinayana type Buddhist belief, like Zen, is not the type of vessel that you use to cross the river, but more like the style, color, and more importantly – speed. Tibetan Buddhism is Tantric at it’s core which originated from medieval Hinduism. Tantra in its purest form is the interwoven, intertwined, interpenetrating existence. Tibetan’s claim that by intensely focusing these energies, one can gain enlightenment in one lifetime. Again, this state is achieved not by oneself, as Theravada Buddhism would define, but through intertwining the energies of another. By intensifying and focusing these energies, one grows towards enlightenment along with assistance and assisting another (combined energies).
Tibetan Buddhism can be considered quite different in nature so much as it is called the third path of Buddhism. The Tibetans believed also that they had to include the elements of sites, sounds, and motion to help propel one towards enlightenment. While they admit that these three items could become a distraction, by the mere act of overcoming that possibility then enables you to utilize it as a benefit. They evoke these items in Meditation by utilizing deep, full-throated groans while their hands preformed stylized motions. The combination of these activities would propel one to such a deep level of consciousness that they could see their deity.
This shows the basic necessity of attaining enlightenment (not just understanding it to teach others (Theravada)), but achieve it, remain in it, and doing it in one lifetime. These differences, while limited in the broad spectrum of differences, are closely defined to root elements that dictate the vessel itself.
Другие работы по теме:
Buddhism Essay Research Paper BuddhismBuddhism is the
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Buddhism Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Although it originated in India, it has been adopted in countries like Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Buddhism was founded in India by prince Siddhartha Gautam, who was born about 550 B.C in Northern India.
Christianity Hinduism Islam Essay Research Paper Christianity
Christianity Hinduism Islam Essay, Research Paper Christianity Hinduism Islam Buddhism Judaism 1.God is the devine heavenly father who is loving,caring,and forgiving 1.Pantheistic:The Absolute Spirit Brahman-all individual accepts of being belong to the same divine substance. 1.Allah is the God for Islamic religions who is powerful, merciful, and beneficient ruler of the Islamic faith. 1.Two Sects: Hinayana-emphasizes personal pursuit of Nirvana (paradise).
Buddhism V Hinduism Essay Research Paper BuddhismHinduism
Buddhism V. Hinduism Essay, Research Paper Buddhism/Hinduism Comparison Report Hinduism is the oldest known religion and is very rich with literally hundreds of gods, symbolistic rituals and beliefs. It is believed to have been established around 1500 B.C. but no one person founded Hinduism as it evolved over a long period of time.
What Is Shin Buddhism Essay Research Paper
Shin Buddhism was the creation of Shinran Shonin, who lived in Japan around 800 years ago. He saw, as did Buddha, that what stands in the way of our awakening to the Dharma is really only us. Specifically, it is our ego, or that illusion we have that we are a fixed and separate entity apart from everything else. Thus, Shin Buddhism starts by getting us to see our egocentric, arrogant and self-centered nature.
Buddishm Essay Research Paper Buddhism is one
Buddishm Essay, Research Paper Buddhism is one of the major religions of the world. Like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, it has influenced many live and many cultures. Buddhism has also been a driving social force in many countries, including India, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Tibet. In all these areas, Buddhism has incorporated different aspects of other religions, for example Hinduism and Shinto.
Buddhism Essay Research Paper Essay Question
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Essay Question #5: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity Throughout the history of Japan, foreign religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism have been introduced. These three religions have had their share of successes as well as failures. However, the fates of these religions have completely different endings due to conflicting beliefs of religious men and the presence of political influence.
Views Of Jesus Essay Research Paper The
Views Of Jesus Essay, Research Paper The view of whom or what Jesus was, is a common question that arises even in the Christian religion. For Christians, for granted Jesus was the messiah. Other religions and people in our world do not agree upon this belief, in Jesus being the messiah though. Religions such as Muslim and Buddhism have very different beliefs.
Asoka Essay Research Paper AsokaAsoka was the
Asoka Essay, Research Paper Asoka Asoka was the third member of the Mauryan dynasty and the grandson of the founder of the first Indian empire, Chandragupta Maurya of Magadha. Some say Asoka was the most powerful monarch to embrace Buddhism. Asoka was born in 304 B.C. and came to power in 270 B.C. after a short struggle in which one of his brothers was killed.
Buddhism Essay Research Paper There were many
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper There were many religions that were practiced among the people of central Asia back in the early second and third centuries and forward. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were among the main three religions practiced then. Buddhism has been around since 273 B.C. It started in India and traveled into central Asia and continued on into Korea and Japan becoming one of the major religions in all of central China.
Buddhism Essay Research Paper The idea of
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper The idea of evolution by Darwin indicated that the world is not created by God, but through some kind of modification. This controversial idea is strongly objected by most of the religions, such as Catholic, Christian, and Islam etc. These religions sturdily believe that God is the creator of the world, the creator of everything.
Buddism Essay Research Paper Buddhism emerged during
Buddism Essay, Research Paper Buddhism emerged during the period of the Upanishads, but it is not so much one religion as two. Only two sects of Buddhism exist today that had formed after Buddha?s death. Although these three religions have some important things in common, the differences that divide them are profound.
Hinduisim And Christianity Essay Research Paper Two
Hinduisim And Christianity Essay, Research Paper Two religions, both very different and both very similar. Siddhartha Guatama also known as Buddha (“Enlightened One”) was the founder and probably the most influential person of Buddhism. He sat under a fig tree for 49 days to think and contemplate his thoughts.
Is Buddhism A Religion Essay Research Paper
Is Buddhism a Religion? To begin, let us ask once again the huge question that is all burning in our minds: is Buddhism a religion? There are many criteria by which this can be compared to and/or answered by. For example, many religions have the following aspects within them: beginning, ritual, followers/believers, morality, purpose, and goals.
Buddhism Essay Research Paper BUDDHISM
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper BUDDHISM INTRODUCTION There are four noble truths upon which all Buddhist teaching is based. It is said that if you do not understand these truths it is impossible for you to practice Buddhism. Buddhism, like most other religions has the potential to serve the community and produce good well-natured people.
Buddism Essay Research Paper BuddhismReligion is one
Buddism Essay, Research Paper Buddhism Religion is one of the most controversial topics in the world today. Buddhism is one the most interesting. In today?s society, Buddhism has grown to be one of the word?s largest. Although Hinduism and Native American religions are found to be interesting, nevertheless Buddhism in my eyes is the most interesting of the three, because of the strong evidence of creed, cultus, and the uncanny.
Buddhism Essay Research Paper What is the
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper What is the gist of the chapter or essay? The goal out of practicing Buddhism is to become a self-less person. Everything we do in life causes another. Nothing in this world happens independently. In Buddhism the relationship between on thing leading to another is called casual connectedness.
Taoism Versus Buddhism Essay Research Paper Eddie
Taoism Versus Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Eddie Bohn 103A History Thursday 7, 2000 Taoism versus Buddhism There are hundreds of religions in the world that are practiced. But only a few really stand out in the world and are widely known. I will focus on two particular religions and compare and contrast them.
Taoism And Buddhism Essay Research Paper Taoism
Taoism And Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Taoism and Buddhism were born in the same century. Siddhartha reached enlightenment in approximately 535 B.C. and Lao Tzu?s teachings were recorded
Christianity Buddhism And Islam Essay Research Paper
Christianity Buddhism Islam Concept Provided a substitute to the secular, rational values associated with classical culture in the west. The cause of human suffering was desire. The attachment to material things and ignorance. The concept was born among the tribal peoples of the Arabian peninsula.
Christianity And Buddhism Essay Research Paper Christianity
Christianity And Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Christianity became the religion of Emperor Constantine and the official religion of the Roman Empire in 395. Christianity strongly advocates acts of kindness, compassion and good deeds. John the Baptist encouraged the people to share with others what you have.
Theravada Vs Mahayana Buddhism Essay Research Paper
A question asked by many people is ” What is the difference between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?” To find the answer let us look at the history of Buddhism and compare and contrast the beliefs and philosophies of the two.
Buddhist Beliefs Essay Research Paper Jackie McGlynnReligion
Buddhist Beliefs Essay, Research Paper Jackie McGlynn Religion 3/14/01 Work out your own salvation through diligence. To be diligent is to work carefully and assiduously. It is to do a good job, but more importantly, it is to pay close attention to the details along the way. The quote above assumes an obvious Buddhist belief: that people have control over their own salvation after death.
Buddhist Fundamentals Essay Research Paper Buddhist FundamentalismAlthough
Buddhist Fundamentals Essay, Research Paper Buddhist Fundamentalism Although religions differ greatly in the beliefs and practices they endorse, many universal themes can be found when comparing the underlying reasons that people practice religion. Freud believed that people practice religion as a form of displacement so that they could be at ease with themselves while not coming to terms with the actuality of their convictions.
Buddha
’s Meditative Position. Essay, Research Paper I feel that Buddha Being in this particular position expresses many things. First, one has to be able to understand what Buddhism represents. Buddhisn is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha or “Enlightened one,” promised to offer an escape from suffering.
Chinese Buddhism Essay Research Paper Chinese Buddhism
Chinese Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Chinese Buddhism There is evidence of Buddhists in China as early as the 3rd century, but Buddhism was not popular in China for years. Buddhism was probably introduced after the Han emperor Ming Ti had a dream of a flying golden deity that was interpreted as a vision of the Buddha.
Buddhist Economics Essay Research Paper Buddhist EconomicsMost
Buddhist Economics Essay, Research Paper Buddhist Economics Most people think that religion and economics don?t mix. So you would think the same in the case with Buddhism and economics. But actually the there is a set of rules that go along with our modern day economics that have their own meanings. Buddhists believe that spiritual health and well being go hand in hand.
Buddhism Essay Research Paper 1st OHP 2
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper 1st OHP –BUDDHISM What is Buddhism? Buddha is the central symbol and reality of Buddhism, because he embodies the way of thinking and living. It is an analysis
A Look At Zen Essay Research Paper
FINAL PAPER LBRL STUDIES 272 MARK FERGUSON The study of Zen, it seems, became a main preoccupation of the Japanese, something never seen elsewhere. Embracing it with gusto, allowing it to mingle with old tales and myths, the Japanese raised Buddhism to a new height.
Outline Of Buddhism Essay Research Paper Outline
Outline Of Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Outline of Buddhism Buddhism is the oldest of the four major religions in the world today. Its followers inhabit such countries as India, China, Bhutan, Mongolia, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and
The Split In Buddhism Essay Research Paper
In the very beginning of Buddhism s growth there was a split into to major groups: Mahayana and Theravada. The split began almost three to five hundred years after the death of the Buddha. Most historians are unsure why the split occurred. The major difference between the two is whom Buddhism identifies with the common man or the monk.