9

Introduction to World
Religions and Belief
Systems
Core Teachings of Theravada Buddhism and
Its Elements
4th Quarter
Week 4

Development and Quality Assurance Team

Developer: Annabelle O. Josol

Evaluator: Jovie Ann P. Sulpico
Learning Area Supervisor: Antonio V. Salazar Ed. D

Illustration Credits:
Title Page: Marieto Cleben V. Lozada
Visual Cues: Ivin Mae M. Ambos

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 Most Essential Competency

Comparative Analysis of Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana

Buddhism.
a. Identify the uniqueness and similarities of Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism
and Mahayana Buddhism and their impact /relevance in the modern
world. (HUMSS_WRB12-II/IVd-11.1

Objectives: At the end of the week, you shall have

1. Identify the origin or traces of Theravada and Mahayana

Buddhism
2. Explain the similarities and uniqueness of Hinduism and
Buddhism (Theravada and Mahayana)
3. Value their impact/relevance in the modern world

Learner’s Tasks

Lesson Overview

Buddhism is one of the most practical among the world’s great religions
because its belief system intends to meet basic human needs and solve
humankind’s spiritual problem without depending on supernatural forces (Brown
1975). The two main divisions of the religion are Mahayana Buddhism and
Theravada Buddhism. With around 360 million followers, Mahayana
Buddhism is practiced in China, Japan, and Mongolia. Meanwhile, Theravada
Buddhism, with 150 million adherents, is followed in Myanmar, Thailand, and
Sri Lanka. Buddhism is the religion of around 500 million people or about
7% to 8% of the world’s population

The Origin of Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism, the "Doctrine of the Elders," is one of the

three major sects of Buddhism. It emerged out of a series of schisms that
began in the 4th century B.C.E. in the Buddhist communities of India and
became prominent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia including Myanmar,
Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, which has led some to call it Southern
Buddhism. Pejoratively labeled the "Hinayana" (the "Lesser Vehicle") by
Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada schools claim to adhere most accurately to
the original practices and doctrines taught by Buddha. The Theravada claims
to trace their lineage back to the the original followers of the Buddha, to
those who literally heard his sermons. The Theravada canonical writings, a
collection of the Buddha's teachings written in the Pali language, are divided
into the Buddha's sermons (the sutta pitaka), the monastic rules (the vinaya
pitaka), and philosophical enumeration of the Buddha's teachings (the
abhidamma pitaka). Theravada doctrine is founded on the distinction
between samsara (the cyclic realm of suffering) and nirvana (or nibbana,
release). The ultimate goal of the Theravada is to escape samsara and enter

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nirvana. This is accomplished by achieving the status of an arhat, a perfect saint
who has been released from the cycle of samsara and will never be reborn again.
The Theravada is typically understood to be a rigorous monastic tradition; however,
laypeople actively participate in the religion by providing material support to the
monks (which produces positive karma, or merit), meditating, and following the
basic ethical principles of the Buddha's teachings.

The Origin of Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism (or the Mahayanas) can be defined as a major

movement in the history of Buddhism which has its origins in northern India. It is made
up of many schools and reinterpretations of fundamental human beliefs, values and
ideals not only those of the Buddhist teachings. The recorded starting point for
Mahayana, also known as the 'Great Vehicle' because it embraces so much, is the
2nd century CE, but it is assumed that this tidal wave of shifts began to grow before
that date, building on existing schools and systems, and it continues today. Its exact
origins are still not completely understood, but in contrast to previous Buddhist
aspirations, great emphasis was placed equally on the doctrines of compassion (Skt:
karunã) and insight (Skt: prajñã). In addition, the Bodhisattva, the human being who
devotes him or herself to the service of others, became the new model for religious
practice as opposed to the Arhat (Hīnayãna-Hearer or Seeker) who is concerned
only with the self-interested pursuit of liberation

Mahayana Buddhism encompasses a wide range of philosophical schools,

metaphysical beliefs, and practical meditative disciplines. It is more widespread and
has more followers than Theravada Buddhism and includes Zen and Soka-gakkai
Buddhism. It is practiced primarily in northern half of the Buddhist world: in China,
Tibet, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan.

"Mahayana” means "the Great Vehicle." The word vehicle is used because
Buddhist doctrine is often compared to a raft or ship that carries one across the
world of suffering to better world. Greater is reference to the universality of its
doctrines and beliefs as opposed to narrowness of other schools. Theravada
Buddhism is sometimes referred to in a somewhat dismissing way as the Hinayana
(“Lesser Vehicle”) sect. Mahayana Buddhism is not a single group but a collection of
Buddhist traditions: Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism are
all forms of Mahayana Buddhism.

According to “Topics in Japanese Cultural History”: The embodiment of this

Mahayana ideal was the bodhisattva. A bodhisattva is one who has eliminated all
desires and is therefore eligible to pass into nirvana. Out of a feeling of compassion
for the millions of other suffering creatures, however, the bodhisattva withholds
his/her/its entry into nirvana to remain in this world and help others. The various
bodhisattvas have taken vows to remain in this world until all creatures are ready to
enter nirvana." Mahayana Buddhism is not one, unified entity.

Similarities between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

According to the BBC: Theravada and Mahayana are both rooted in the
basic teachings of the historical Buddha, and both emphasize the individual search

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for liberation from the cycle of samsara (birth, death, rebirth...). The methods or
practices for doing that, however, can be very different."

Dr. W. Rahula wrote: “I have studied Mahayana for many years and the more
I study it, the more I find there is hardly any difference between Theravada and
Mahayana with regard to the fundamental teachings. 1) Both accept Sakyamuni
Buddha as the Teacher. 2) The Four Noble Truths are exactly the same in both
schools. 3) The Eightfold Path is exactly the same in both schools. 4) The Paticca-
samuppada or the Dependent Origination is the same in both schools. 5) Both
rejected the idea of a supreme being who created and governed this world. 6) Both
accept Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta and Sila, Samadhi, Panna without any difference.
These are the most important teachings of the Buddha and they are all accepted
by both schools without question. [Source: Dr. W. Rahula, BuddhaSasana
(budsas.org), Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal, August 14, 2008; Grant
Olson, Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University +++]

Key Differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhists claim their doctrines are rooted in early teachings of

Buddha and say they do not reject the beliefs of Theravada Buddhism, but have just
expanded on them. Theravada Buddhists view Mahayana Buddhism as a corrupted
form of Buddha's teaching plus see it as too easy. Theravada Buddhists are taught
that one must “work out one's own salvation with diligence” whereas Mahayana
Buddhists believe faith is enough to earn all believers eventual salvation. Theravada
Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism differ greatly on the matter of Bodhisattvas.
Mahayana Buddhists recognize many of them as well as many Buddhas. Theravada
Buddhists recognize just one, The Buddha.

The tenets of Mahayana Buddhism are more vague and all-encompassing

than the strict tenets of Theravada Buddhism, but its followers often conform to a
very regimented routine as is the case with Zen. Mahayana Buddhists believe in a
multitude of heavens, hells and descriptions of nirvana and have great reverence
for Bodhisattvas—Buddhist "saints" on the verge of nirvana who stopped short of
attaining it, so, like Buddha, they could teach their method to others.

Mahayana Buddhists see The Buddha as the sum total of everything there is;
discount his historical personage; view his life on earth in magical and transcendent
terms; and have Bodhisattvas and Buddhas that address issues important to ordinary
people. The Supreme Buddha became an all knowing force that pervaded every
part of the universe, like a creator God.

On ways Mayahana and Theravada Buddhism are different, Dr. W. Rahula

wrote: “There are also, however, some points of difference, or at least of emphasis.
An obvious one is the “Bodhisattva ideal." Many people say that Mahayana is for a
Bodhisattvahood that will lead to Buddhahood, while Theravada is for Arahantship
(immediate enlightenment as taught by the Buddha). I must point out that the
Buddha was an arahant (an enlightened one). A Nonteaching (Prateka or
Pacceka) Buddha is also an arahant. A disciple can also be an arahant. Mahayana
texts never use the term “Arahant-yana," the Arahant Vehicle. Instead, Mahayanists
use three terms: Bodhisattva-yana, Prateka-Buddha-yana, and Sravaka-yana (the
Bodhisattva-vehicle, the Nonteaching-Buddha vehicle, and the Disciple-vehicle). In

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the Theravada tradition these three are called Bodhis. [Source: Dr. W. Rahula,
BuddhaSasana (budsas.org), Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal, August
14, 2008; Grant Olson, Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University
+++]

Some people mistakenly imagine that Theravada Buddhism is “selfish”

because it teaches (what the historical Buddha taught) that people should diligently
work towards their own salvation without helping others. But how could a selfish
person ever gain enlightenment? (It would be impossible because selfishness
precludes the compassion and wisdom necessary for realizing the truth that leads to
enlightenment and the liberation of nirvana). Both schools accept the three Yanas
or Bodhis and consider Bodhisattvahood the ideal, the highest. The difference is
Mahayana Buddhism has created many mystical Bodhisattvas, while Theravada
Buddhism considers a “bodhisattva” a person among us who devotes his or her
entire life to the attainment of perfection, ultimately attaining Buddhahood
[enlightenment] for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the world."

Impact/ Relevance of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Modern World

Hinduism:

Hinduism has immensely impacted the world in the sense that it has risen to
become the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam with about 16
percent of the world’s population claims it as their religion. Hinduism faith also is
considered to be one of the most religiously tolerant religions in the world. In
particular, roughly 95 percent of the world’s Hindus live in India.

Many people follow the teachings of Hinduism without actually considering

themselves to be Hindu by faith. Examples are the practices of yoga and meditation
which they take and incorporate in their lifestyle. These practices are the best way
to control depression, sadness and anxiety and so many socio-economic, mental
and physical problems especially in this time of pandemic. These also increase
calmness and harmonious relationship/ connection of every individual with the
Divine Being and his/her environment. Another impact of Hinduism in the world
today is the promotion of equal living opportunities for all living creatures, human
and animal alike. For Hinduism, destroying the natural habitats of animals forests
and other living things is taking something that does not belong to us, thus, these
should be protected from all forms of destruction and exploitation.

Buddhism:

Just like Hinduism, Buddhism has enormously impacted people as it has

become one of the four major religions in this modern world .What the Buddha
taught is not only for the 6th century B.C., but it is a timeless (akalika) teaching, surely
it can be practiced by the wise during 21st century as well and in many more
centuries or millennia to come. Buddhism has a special role to play in the modern
world because unlike many other religious traditions, Buddhism uniquely propounds
the concept of independence which accords closely with the fundamental notions
of modern science. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said, “The 20th century
was a century of war and violence, now we all need to work to see that the 21st
century is of peace and dialogue.

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 For Buddhism, the eight fold path can be grouped into Wisdom (right
understanding and intention, Ethical Conduct (right speech, action and livelihood
and Meditation (right effort, mindfulness and concentration. Thus Buddha described
such eight path as means to enlightenment, like a raft for crossing a river.

Buddha believed that hatred never ceases hatred. The only way to solve it is
that one party must stop. Loving kindness is the cornerstone of Buddhism. This has not
been taken as simple ethical principle but analyzed such principle into sublime life.

Buddha also preached Karuna which means compassion. When someone is

in trouble, our heart moves towards that person and we rush to help him
unconditionally. We have ab-solutely no distinctions between one person and
another, and are totally merged in a kind of unity with all beings, all things and all
situations. So once you are able to live a life in which all these four characteristics
govern your actions, there is no place for hatred, rivalry and competition. Instead we
have so much space for compassion, love, collaboration and unity.

Buddha also preached about Bhavana which means meditation. Bhavana

means training of the mind. A pure mind, trained mind, well-developed mind , a
mind that can be controlled at will, a mind that does not go on to subjects that are
conducive to tension and boredom, but keeps alert, keeps on developing itself,
discovering itself and within itself the secret of life, the problems of life and the
reality of life is man’s greatest treasure.

Buddhism also slows the race of materialism in the world. The main reason for
unhappiness or problems or pains in human life is our desire and lifestyle. Human
being can enjoy the ultimate happiness if he can control his desire and meditate
properly.

Guided Activities:

Activity 1.
A. Give a one paragraph summary on the origin of Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism.
B. Make a graphic organizer to compare the origins, similarities and differences of
Hinduism, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Then give a brief explanation for
each.

Activity 2
Application: Create a poem about this lesson. Impact/ and relevance of Theravada
and Mahayana Buddhism in the modern world.

Rubric for activity 1 and 2.

Criteria Rating
The poem clearly expresses the idea and message. 5 4 3 2 1
The poem highlights important words /phrase relevant to the topic. 5 4 3 2 1
The poem shows originality 5 4 3 2 1

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Total points (15)

Reflection/Insights. Share your reflection/insights by completing each statement below.

1. I learned that Dharmic religions (Hinduism, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism )

are
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2. Their origins make me understand that

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

3. Their similarities and differences help me to understand

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

4. They differ in
____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. Their impacts /relevance in the modern world are

____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Formative Test
Read each statement carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer and
write it on the space provided before the number.

___1 A collection of poems and hymns that form the foundation of Hindu Theology
which began as an oral tradition and passed down through generation before
finally being written. It is literally means “Knowledge”.

A.Reg-Vida C. Yahur-veda
B. Sama-veda D. Veda

___2. The longest poem of Sanskrit literature of the old india that composed of one
hundred thousand verses, 1.8 million words and 15 times longer than the Bible.

A. Bhagavad Gita C. Ramayana

B. Mahabharata D. Lotus Sutra

___3.Which of these best explains about Bhagavad Gita?

A. Listening attentively to the mystic teaching of a spiritual leader
B. Symbolizing ambition and greed resulting in cosmic disorder, degradation
of women and family
C. Telling about a great struggle among descendants of King Bharata
D. Instructing what Hindus must do to become with God and this is through
devotion, knowledge or selfless action

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___4.Which of these does not belong to the fundamental beliefs of Hinduism?

A. Karma C. Monotheism
B. Moksha D. Dharma

___5.In Hinduism, why do the four Yogas considered as the best way for every Hindu
to manifest a purposeful living?

A. These show the path of knowledge, wisdom, introspection and

contemplation
B. These show the path of devotion, action, love, compassion, mindfulness
and service to God and others
C. The path of meditation that directly deals with the encountering and
transcending thoughts of the mind
D. . All of the above.

Reference: ADM Modules

Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief
Systems (Teacher Manual). Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., 2016