week3-Comparison bet theravada and mahayana.pptx

ALVINBURCE2 1 views 12 slides Oct 19, 2025
Slide 1
Slide 1 of 12
Slide 1
1
Slide 2
2
Slide 3
3
Slide 4
4
Slide 5
5
Slide 6
6
Slide 7
7
Slide 8
8
Slide 9
9
Slide 10
10
Slide 11
11
Slide 12
12

About This Presentation

ITWRBS Quarter 2 week 3


Slide Content

Comparative Analysis of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism Al Burce This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

Instruction: Copy the table below. Afterwards, compare and contrast Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism on the different aspects given. THERAVADA BUDDHISM MAHAYANA BUDDHISM ORIGIN MORALITY PURPOSE DESTINY VIEWS ON WOMEN

Draw the Venn Diagram below in your notebook, then, compare and contrast the concept of dharma in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. CONCEPT OF DHARMA

Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism both originated in India, where dharma (or dhamma) is a central concept. It is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, usually referring to the Buddha’s teachings, but it also means the natural law that upholds the universe, ethical conduct, and righteousness. The idea of dharma is also found in Hinduism and Jainism, where it can mean sacred duty.

Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism Dhamma = truth of existence, Buddha’s teaching, practice, and enlightenment.

Dharma in Mahayana Buddhism In Mahayana, Dharma = Buddha’s teachings + realization of reality.

The Dharma Body Dharma body (Dharmakaya/ Dhammakaya ) = “truth body.” In Theravāda : the Buddha is the living embodiment of dharma (the truth is made visible through him). In Mahayana : it’s one of the three bodies of a Buddha, meaning the unity of all reality, beyond existence or non-existence.

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM AND THERAVADA BUDDHISM ORIGIN Origin : Buddhism began in northern India around the 6th century B.C.E. Founder : Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), who left his wealthy life to find the solution to human suffering. Enlightenment : Through meditation, he achieved nirvana and became the “Enlightened One.” Teachings spread : He taught mainly in eastern India. Two branches : About 500 years later, Buddhism split into Theravada and Mahayana . Spread : By the 3rd century B.C.E., it spread to China, Korea, and the Indochina Peninsula. Decline in India : Buddhism slowly weakened in India because Hinduism adapted and absorbed many of its teachings.

MORALITY Key Buddhist Teachings Buddhism came from Indian ideas, but Buddha changed many of them . Buddhists believe in rebirth (being born again), and your next life is affected by karma (your actions now). The goal is to reach enlightenment so the cycle of rebirth ends. Main Teachings: Four Noble Truths – Life has suffering, suffering comes from desire, we can end suffering, and the way is through the Eightfold Path. Eightfold Path – A guide divided into: Right View (understanding) Right Conduct (behavior) Right Practice (discipline and meditation)

PURPOSE Theravada Buddhism Focuses on monastic life (being a monk or nun). Ordinary people (laity) need to be reborn as monks to achieve enlightenment. Doing good deeds gives good karma, which may lead to a better rebirth. Mahayana Buddhism Offers enlightenment to everyone —not just monks, but also people with families or jobs. Seen as a faster path to enlightenment compared to Theravada. Became popular because it is more inclusive and practical for many people.

DESTINY Theravada Buddhism Focuses on personal effort —each person must achieve enlightenment on their own. Practices include ethical conduct, meditation, and insight . The ultimate goal is to become an arhat (“worthy one”) who has freed themselves from suffering. They do not rely on gods or goddesses for salvation. Mahayana Buddhism Focuses on helping others reach enlightenment. Follows the example of bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who choose to stay and help others instead of entering nirvana immediately). Famous bodhisattvas include Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Ksitigarbha , and Samantabhadra . More inclusive—anyone can follow the bodhisattva path.

VIEWS ON WOMEN In Hinduism , women were mostly limited to household and kitchen duties. In Buddhism , the Buddha allowed women to: Join the monastic order (as bhikkunis or nuns). Perform the same religious practices as men. Attain enlightenment just like men.
Tags