When people think of Asia and religion, Buddhism is usually what comes to the forefront of most people’s minds. What many don’t always realize is that there are a different schools of thought within Buddhism. Zen Buddhism is pretty widely known, but the two sects that I’ve become familiar with through my travels are a bit less widely known. So, I’d like to explore some of the similarities and differences between Theraveda and Mahayana Buddhism.
History of Buddhism
To get an understanding of the differences between the two sects, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the history of Buddhism.
Siddhartha Gautama is pointed to as the origin for Buddhism and is the historical Buddha. Born in Lumpini, in present day Nepal, he founded a sect of wandering ascetics, a common tradition across India. The traditional Vedic teaching were being challenged across the region because their initial nomadic context no longer seemed applicable to the towns and cities that were flourishing at the time. Gautama’s teachings were among those that challenged the Vedics.
During his lifetime, the historical record suggests that his teaching didn’t have much influence. However, shortly after his death, the First Buddhist Council was convened. In the record, there were disputes between different groups from the very beginning, as they had all interpreted the teachings within their own context.
About a hundred years later, the Second Buddhist Council was convened, and it was here that the split of the sects really came to a head. Of the maybe 25 different schools, the Mahasangnika school was expelled because it appeared they had bestowed a sort of god-like status to the Buddha. The most powerful school was the Sthaviravada school, which today is the Theravada school.
As the Theravada school spread to Southeast Asia in the first century, the Mahayana school developed in Northern India and spread to Nepal, Bhutan, China and beyond.
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada bases its beliefs and practices on the ancient Pali texts which are generally considered to be the earliest surviving record of the Buddha’s teachings. These texts were written down after the Buddha’s death by devotees who had committed his sermons to memory. Unlike many other religions, these texts are not considered infallible, but rather a guide for people to use in their own lives to see if they do bring results.
The approach of the Theravada branch is generally considered more conservative and often applies a literal interpretation of the Dharma. As such, new teachings and interpretations are generally not considered genuine.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism also uses the Pali texts, but has also incorporated the Sanskrit sutras and others into the cannon. As long as these new teachings conform to the three requirements of Dharma seals, then they can be used on the path to enlightenment.
With this, the Mahayana tradition emphasizes collective enlightenment. While reaching Nirvana is the goal for both schools, in Theravada the goal is to leave the cycle of life and death upon reaching enlightenment. In the Mahayana school, there is what is called the Bodhisattva Path. This is for people who have attained enlightenment, but choose to remain within the cycle of life and death in order to help others reach Nirvana.
The Mahayana branch is considered more innovative and can interpret the Dharma. New teachings are incorporated and local traditions included.
The Path
Ultimately, the differences between Theravada and Mahayana could be explained as different paths to the same destination. They are based on the same teachings and have the same goal in mind. However, the differences lie in how each branch recommends you get there.
Which branch sounds more your style?