1. theravada 2. mahayana 3. vajrayana three rafts for crossing the river:
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1.1. TheravadaTheravada
2.2. MahayanaMahayana
3.3. Vajrayana Vajrayana
Three Rafts for Three Rafts for Crossing the River:Crossing the River:
Buddhists compare the quest for salvation to the crossing of a river
On this side of the river is the realm of samsara. On the other side nirvana
Buddhism has divided into three great rafts or vehicles Theravada – the lesser vehicle Mahayana – the great vehicle Vajrayana – the vehicle of the diamond
Theravada: “The Way Theravada: “The Way of the Elders”of the Elders”
Means the way of the elders Conservative movement
– Follows the earliest texts – Tends to agree with the
original teachings of the Buddha
The Buddha experienced enlightenment and then taught others how to accomplish the same
The teachings of the Buddha are most important than the Buddha himself
Focuses on the teachings of the Buddha: cultivate wisdom through knowing the four Noble Truths and eightfold path
The heart of Theravada Buddhism is its community of monks
Mahayana: The Great Vehicle Mahayana: The Great Vehicle The largest division of Buddhism- half of the world’s
Buddhists Focuses on the Buddha himself – celebrating him as a divine
savior – It opens the door to religious devotion and prayer
Offers salvation through the infinite grace of the compassionate Buddha
Recognizes the salvific grace of all the Buddhas of the past Reveres bodhisattvas
Are Buddhas in the making dedicated to attaining enlightenment
Capable of entering into nirvana – but motivated by compassion stop to help others achieve it
Exist beyond an earthly ream and are believed to dwell in one of the Buddhist heavens, from which they provide divine assistance to those who worship them
Transfer merit of their karma to their devotees On occasion they appear in the world as human
beings The ideal type rather than the arhat Compassion is the supreme virtue- more important
than wisdom Have vowed that they will wait to enter nirvana until
“the last blade of grass” has become enlightened.
BodhisattvasBodhisattvas
Vajrayana: Tibetan Vajrayana: Tibetan BuddhismBuddhism
Means the vehicle of the diamond or vehicle of the lightning bolt
The name suggests strength, clarity, wisdom, and flashes of light
Practices and beliefs constituted by special chants and rituals
Interested in the acquisition of both internal and external powers and holds that such powers may be attained through proper ritual.
Vajrayana’s homelandVajrayana’s homeland
Homeland is Tibet Has endured religious persecution by China’s
communist government– Many have been killed– Many others are now living in exile in India and
elsewhere
Origins of Vajrayana Origins of Vajrayana
Vajrayana Buddhism was influenced by Tantric Buddhism– Named Tantric for its
scriptures the Tantras meaning “spread out”
The Tantras taught that the body and all its energies could be used to reach enlightenment– Tantric Buddhism
shows influence from Hinduism
LamaLama A Tibetan
spiritual teacher is often called lama– Lama is a Tibetan
translation of the word guru
– This title is frequently used as a title of honor for all monks
Dalai LamaDalai Lama Another important feature of Vajrayana is
its institution of lamas– A hierarchy of clergy headed by the
Dalai Lama– Dalai Lama means “ocean superior
one” Originated with the incarnation of a
prominent bodhisattva The lineage is believed to continue
through the reincarnation of one Dalai Lama into the next
Whenever a Dalai Lama dies, his successor (incarnation) is sought, found, and trained.
A delegation of monks consult a state oracle about the place of rebirth, take objects that belonged to the previous Dalai Lama and mixed them with similar objects.
The boy who recognizes the objects is chosen as the Dalai Lama
Objects play a key role– Vajra- Sanskrit for
either Diamond or Lightening Bolt - a metal object
– Bell- symbolizes wisdom
– When used together, one in each hand, they represent the union of wisdom and compassion
Means to achieve enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism:– Mudras – choreographed hand gestures, can be
performed to a chant For example, the right hand extended with the palm
outward and the finger pointing up is a mudra of blessing
If the palm is open but the hand is turned downward, the mudra symbolizes generosity
Means to achieve enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism:– Mantras – resonating chants that harness the
spiritual potency of sound Can be chanted or written to bring power and wisdom
through repetition
Means to achieve enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism:– Mandalas- geometrical designs that present
reality in symbolic forms- used in meditation
Human beings are attracted to the world through vivid images, sounds, tastes, dances, rituals, etc.
Tantric Buddhism believes that the individual can “fight fire with fire” by confronting worldly attractions through paintings, chants, rituals, and mandalas – How does Vajrayana
Buddhism “fight fire with fire”? It harnesses the energy of
desire and turns it against itself
Doing this helps to detach from the attractions they are confronted with
Mandala Mandala is Sanskrit for circle, polygon,
community, connection. The mandala is often illustrated as a palace
with four gates, facing the four corners of the Earth.
Geometrical art form Often used in meditation It may represent in symbolic form the entire
universe, the palace of a deity, or even the self
A common form is a circle within or enclosing a square, or a series of circles and squares that grow smaller and smaller as they come closer to the center of the design
Another form looks like a checkerboard of many squares
For some ceremonies, monks create a mandala in sand
Then destroy it at the end of the ritual, expressing vividly the Buddhist teaching that everything must change
Mandala Geometrical art form Often used in meditation It may represent in symbolic form the entire universe, the
palace of a deity, or even the self A common form is a circle within or enclosing a square, or a
series of circles and squares that grow smaller and smaller as they come closer to the center of the design
Another form looks like a checkerboard of many squares It may appear as a painting on cloth, but it may take many
forms For some ceremonies, monks create a mandala in sand Then destroy it at the end of the ritual, expressing vividly the
Buddhist teaching that everything must change
Mandalas