Introduction to world religion and belief system-quarter 2_week2_mahayanaBuddhism.pptx

ITWRBS - Quarter 2 Week 2

1. MAHAYANA BUDDHISM AL BURCE

2. Week 2: Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism means “Great Vehicle.” It began more than 2,000 years ago because of differences in teachings. Unlike Theravada , it is open to everyone , not just monks. It is a collection of traditions , not just one group. Practiced in China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and Tibet . Became one of the most popular forms of Buddhism because it accepts many beliefs and is easy for common people to follow.

3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Mahayana Buddhism , or the “Greater Vehicle,” developed in North India around the 3rd century B.C.E. after a schism between early schools like the Mahasamghika and Sthavira nikaya . It introduced new beliefs: that Siddhartha taught secret doctrines, that he was a celestial being rather than just human, and that there are many Buddhas across time helping humanity. These ideas attracted followers, leading to temples, rituals, and hymns. While Mahayana spread widely across Asia, Buddhism declined in India due to invasions and the rise of Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism.

4. Activity Instructions: Read your notes about the two major branches of Buddhism: Theravāda and Mahāyāna . Then, complete the comparison chart below by writing key points in each section. Be sure your answers highlight the historical background of each tradition.

5. Aspect Theravada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism Place of Origin Time Period of Emergence GOAL Meaning of the Name Spread (Countries)

6. After completing the chart, write 3–5 sentences comparing how Theravāda and Mahāyāna developed differently in history. Which do you think had a wider impact, and why?

7. 2nd Day

8. Activity Assign each group one sutra : Group 1: Lotus Sutra Group 2: Perfection of Wisdom Sutra ( Prajñā-pāramitā ) Group 3: Heart Sutra Group 4: “Land of Bliss” Sutra ( Sukhāvatī / Pure Land) Provide each group with a short summary handout of their sutra. Groups will: Read and discuss their assigned sutra. Answer guiding questions. Prepare a creative group output : skit

9. Student Task Sheet Group #: ______ Assigned Sutra: _________ Guiding Questions: What is the main theme of this sutra? What lesson does it teach about wisdom, compassion, or enlightenment? How does it influence Buddhist practice today? If you were to share this teaching with friends your age , how would you explain it simply?

10. SACRED SCRIPTURES This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

11. The Lotus Sutra Is one of the most important Buddhist scriptures, teaching that Buddhahood exists within everyone , regardless of gender, status, or ability. It emphasizes engaging with life’s challenges, using inner strength to transform suffering into happiness. The sutra is a message of empowerment , highlighting the dignity and limitless potential within every human being.

12. The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra ( Prajñāpāramitā ) Teaches the perfected way of seeing reality through wisdom . It is central to Mahayana Buddhism and is closely linked to the idea of emptiness ( Shunyata ) , meaning all things lack a fixed essence. This wisdom is essential for the Bodhisattva path , helping practitioners develop true understanding and compassion.

13. The Heart Sutra Is a short but powerful Buddhist scripture that teaches the doctrine of emptiness ( shunyata ) —that all things, including suffering, karma, selfhood, and reality, are impermanent and without fixed essence. Recognizing this emptiness leads to wisdom, liberation ( moksha ) from the cycle of rebirth, and ultimately to enlightenment ( bodhi )

14. The “Land of Bliss” Sutra The “Land of Bliss” Sutra describes Sukhavati , a paradise created by the Buddha Amitabha. Pure Land Buddhists believe that by calling Amitabha’s name, especially at death, one can be reborn there. In Sukhavati, beings live in joy and beauty, free from suffering, until they achieve enlightenment. From there, some return to Earth as bodhisattvas to help others.

15. Activity Instructions: Choose one Mahāyāna Sutra (Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, Perfection of Wisdom, or Pure Land Sutra). Think of a symbol (an image, object, or design) that best represents the sutra’s main teaching. On a sheet of paper, draw the symbol . Below your drawing, write 3–4 sentences explaining why you chose that symbol and how it connects to the sutra’s teaching.

16. 3 rd Day “What values does this figure represent?”

17. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES Siddhartha Gautama, born in present-day Nepal, became the historical Buddha after attaining enlightenment at age 35. He spent his life teaching across India until his death at 80. In Mahayana Buddhism , the doctrine of trikaya or “three bodies” explains the Buddha’s nature: dharmakaya (ultimate truth), sambhogakaya (body of bliss), and nirmanakaya (physical body on earth). This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

18. BODHISATTVA A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who chooses to stay in the world to help others instead of entering nirvana right away. They are motivated by bodhicitta (the deep wish to achieve enlightenment for the sake of others). Famous example: Avalokitesvara (Guanyin in China) , known as the deity of compassion. Bodhisattvas are often shown as compassionate figures, richly adorned with jewelry and elegant clothing, unlike the simpler image of the Buddha.

19. BHUMIS AND PARAMITAS To become a Buddha, a bodhisattva must pass through 10 Bhumis (stages or “grounds”). Each stage is connected to practicing the Paramitas (perfections) — skills and virtues that help cross from the “sea of suffering” to the “shore of happiness.” The first five paramitas focus on good deeds and merits , while the sixth centers on wisdom . The bodhisattva’s vow: “May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.”

20. 4 th Day

21. Think: Ask students silently to reflect: What feelings or atmospheres did the chant evoke? Guiding Questions : How does chanting help in calming or focusing the mind? What might be the purpose of chanting together as a community? How do you think sound and chant play a role in spiritual or meditative practices?

22. WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES Buddhism uses various rituals and practices to guide worshippers toward enlightenment and blessings. In temples, devotees: Pray and chant to honor Buddhas and bodhisattvas (e.g., Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Amitabha). Offer vegetarian food and incense as homage. Mahayana rituals can be elaborate , involving more disciples and bodhisattvas. Practices include chanting, pilgrimages , and especially meditation . Important symbols : Lotus = purity Dharma wheel (8 spokes) = Buddha’s teachings Mudras (hand gestures) = spiritual meanings This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

23. SUBDIVISIONS The Pure Land Sect Origin: Began in India (2nd century B.C.E.), spread to China (2nd century C.E.), and Japan (6th century C.E.). Belief : Goal is rebirth in the “Pure Land of the West” (Sukhavati) after death. Practice : Reciting Amitabha’s name with focus and devotion ensures rebirth in Sukhavati. Also uses chants, recitations, and meditation. Amitabha Buddha : Central figure, ruler of the Pure Land. Purpose of Pure Land : A paradise where followers can more easily achieve enlightenment by hearing Amitabha’s teachings. The Pure Land Sect

24. The Intuitive Sects Core Belief : Salvation is personal —no one else (person, temple, scripture, or ritual) can grant it. Practice : Focuses on direct experience rather than reliance on external religious forms. Enlightenment can come suddenly—through meditation or even by accident. Key Teaching : True insight goes beyond words and thoughts . Appeal : Attracts many modern thinkers, especially in Europe, for its simplicity and intuitive inspiration .

25. Socio-political Sect Founded by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th-century Japan (Kamakura period). Focuses on devotion to the Lotus Sutra as the only true path to enlightenment. Believes in “human revolution” — self-improvement leading to the betterment of society. Enlightenment is accessible to everyone by awakening their inherent Buddha-nature . Nichiren himself is regarded as a Buddha and a bold activist. Criticized other Buddhist sects in Japan as misleading and corrupt.

26. Tibetan Buddhism Origin : Introduced in Tibet around the 7th century C.E. by King Songtsan Gampo , influenced by his Buddhist wives. Official religion : Became state religion under King Trisong Detsen in the late 8th century. Exile : Forced out after Chinese conquest; many monks and leaders fled. Dalai Lama : The most famous leader, living in exile in India since 1959. Unique features : Mixes Mahayana teachings with Tantric practices, Shamanism, and the ancient Bon religion. Clarification : Often linked to Vajrayana Buddhism, but Tibetan Buddhism includes Vajrayana along with other Buddhist traditions.

27. SELECTED ISSUES Tibet Invasion Tibet long enjoyed relative independence despite claims by China and India. In 1950, China annexed Tibet through the “Seventeen Point Agreement,” which the Dalai Lama rejected. The 1959 Tibetan uprising failed, forcing the Dalai Lama and followers into exile in India. Under Mao’s Great Leap Forward (1958–1961) and Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), hundreds of thousands of Tibetans died, and around 6,000 monasteries were destroyed. Tibetan Buddhism was nearly eradicated, with many monks, nuns, and laypeople killed or exiled. Despite this, the Dalai Lama continues to advocate for peace globally, receiving awards such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1959), Nobel Peace Prize (1989), U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (2007), and Templeton Prize (2012).

28. SELECTED ISSUES Engaged Activism In the 1960s, Buddhist monks in South Vietnam protested government persecution under Ngo Dinh Diem, leading to ritual suicides, most notably the self-immolation of Thich Quang Duc (1963). These acts exposed the regime’s oppression, eroded U.S. support, and contributed to Diem’s downfall. In Japan, the Soka Gakkai movement (founded in 1930, rooted in Nichiren Buddhism) revived after WWII, growing rapidly through aggressive recruitment and forming the Komeito Party, which became a major political force.

29. Founded in 1966 by Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan, the Tzu Chi Foundation grew from 30 volunteers to 10 million worldwide. It runs hospitals, schools, disaster relief, and Asia’s biggest bone marrow bank. Guided by Mahayana compassion and the Bodhisattva ideal, Tzu Chi shows that Buddhism is not only about temple rituals but about helping people of all races and religions in times of need. A Great Insight into the Charity of Tzu Chi