Evolution of Buddhism from Theravada to Vajrayana.pptx

Here we look at how Buddhism bifurcated to Theravada and Mahayana

1. E volution of buddhism

2. Buddhism 101 The four noble truths discovered by Siddhartha are: The world is full of suffering . This suffering is the result of desires and attachment. It is possible to end the suffering There is a specific path for doing this.

3. Emptiness Void, vacuum, null, nothingness (Thai Theravada Buddhism) Nothing is intrinsic or independent, but dependent and interconnected (Mahayana Buddhism) Since all phenomena are interconnected, interdependent and dependent-arising, we must practice compassion and loving kindness. - Sunyata (in Sanskrit)

4. ~500 BCE 150-250 CE 7th CE Nagarjuna reinterprets the concept of emptiness as all phenomena as interdependent, and not autonomous (non-self) Historical Buddha lived and taught. Vajrayana appeared among Mahayana in Bengal plains. Right View most important All phenomena as interconnected means practice compassion and loving kindness towards all sentient being 9th CE Vajrayana expands to the Himalayas Faces resistance from the pre-Buddhist traditions such as Bon , shamanism and animism 12th CE Buddhism-Bon truce. Bon to refrain from sacrifices. Buddhism to respect Bon deities, places and rituals. Some Bon deities, place spirits became Dharma protectors Evolution of Buddhism

5. Tibetan Buddhism Compassion, and not enlightenment, is the core practice in Mahayana Buddhism Another major shift is the concept of Adi-Buddha (ancient Buddha) as an “almighty” God (4 th Buddhist council) During Buddhist expansion to Himalayas, besides Bon rituals and sacred places , Bon deities were sworn in as Dharma protectors . Himalayan Buddhism (aka Tibetan Buddhism = pre-Buddhist traditions + Mahayana tradition Theravada Mahayana Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism)

6. Q&A

7. Q&A