The Spread of Buddhism

1
The Spread of Buddhism

• Theravada School
• Mahayana School

2
After the Buddha The Sangha

• Sangha Small community of monks established at
  the first sermon in the Deer Park
• Monks wandered spreading the word of Buddhism
  across India
• Councils met to discuss sutras. Council meeting
  in 383BC resulted in a division
• Sthaviradada argued to keep the sutras
  unchanged
• Mahasanghika argued for a more literature to be
  included in the sutra
• Resulted in 2 branches Theravada School
• Mahayana School

3
Branches of Buddhism

• Theravada School
• Little Vehicle
• Way of the Elders
• Conservative
• Mahayana School
• Northern School
• The Greater Vehicle
• More liberal

• TEXTBOOK MAPPING EXERCISE Page 194

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Spread of Buddhism
5
Comparison
Theravada Mahayana
Beliefs Humans are individuals key virtue wisdom Monks Arhat Buddha the saint Humans are involved with others key virtue compassion Monk and layperson Bodhisattva Buddha the saviour
Practices Pray through meditation Pray for requests (varies)
Scripture Early scriptures Pali Early scriptures plus others sutras
6
Comparison continued
Theravada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism
Moved primarily South and West covering Indochina and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka). Moved Primarily North and West, covering China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet
Followed as a teaching or Philosophy. Followed with reference to higher beings, more like a religion.
Intense, dedicated and time-consuming effort required to attain enlightenment. Enlightenment is achieved through a normal life with varying degrees of spiritual involvement.
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Agreements

• The Buddha is the only master
• One must take refuge in the Buddha, dharma and
  Sangha
• This world was not created and ruled by a god
• One must follow the example of the Buddha
• One must accept the Four Noble Truths
• All things are impermanent