#humss #humsslesson #seniorhighschool Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems - Lesson 10

Summary

This video provides a detailed overview of Mahayana Buddhism, tracing its origins, core teachings, and evolution. It contrasts Mahayana with Theravada Buddhism, highlighting differences in beliefs, practices, and the concept of the bodhisattva. The script also explores the spread of Mahayana across Asia, its influence on countries like China, Korea, and Japan, and the impact of local cultures on its development. Additionally, it touches on key Buddhist concepts such as the trikaya, bodhisattva perfections, and the role of meditation, emphasizing Mahayana's widespread appeal and its integration with diverse cultural traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mahayana Buddhism evolved over 2,000 years, emerging out of monastic rule and doctrinal differences within the original form of Buddhism.
• 😀 Mahayana Buddhism differs from Theravada Buddhism in that it aims to extend religious authority to a larger group of people, rather than a single group.
• 😀 Mahayana Buddhism spread widely across China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet, gaining success as one of the most successful missionary religions in the world.
• 😀 The rise of Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, and Japan happened centuries after Buddhism was first introduced, with Mahayana reaching China in the 3rd century CE.
• 😀 The Mahayana school introduced several radical ideas, such as Siddhartha Gautama being a celestial being and the existence of other Buddhas before and after him.
• 😀 Despite its spread globally, Mahayana Buddhism gradually faded in India, where it originated, due to invasions and the rise of Islam and Hinduism.
• 😀 Pureland Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana, aims for believers to be reborn in the Western paradise (Sukhavati) by reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha.
• 😀 Zen Buddhism, an intuitive sect of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes meditation as the path to liberation and has strong links with Taoist philosophy.
• 😀 Tibetan Buddhism is distinguished by its use of magic, unique clergy (llamas), and its isolation, which allowed for the development of distinctive practices.
• 😀 Mahayana Buddhism places a significant focus on the bodhisattva ideal, where enlightenment is pursued not only for oneself but for the benefit of all beings.

Q & A

What are the main differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism?

Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism both stem from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, but they differ in their approach to liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Mahayana aims to extend religious authority to a larger group, emphasizing the role of Bodhisattvas, while Theravada focuses on personal enlightenment and self-liberation.

How did Mahayana Buddhism spread across Asia?

Mahayana Buddhism spread from India to China in the 3rd century CE, then to Korea in the 4th century and Japan in the 6th century. Its flexibility allowed it to incorporate local deities and beliefs, facilitating its acceptance in these regions. It became the dominant form of Buddhism in many of these areas.

What was the role of King Ashoka in the development of Mahayana Buddhism?

King Ashoka of India played a key role in propagating Buddhist teachings through missionary efforts during the 3rd century BCE. His support helped spread early forms of Buddhism, including Mahayana Buddhism, leading to doctrinal changes and growth in the tradition.

What is the concept of 'Trikaya' in Mahayana Buddhism?

The 'Trikaya' doctrine in Mahayana Buddhism describes the three bodies of a Buddha: Dharmakaya (the truth body), Sambogakaya (the body of bliss), and Nirmanakaya (the earthly body). This doctrine contrasts with Theravada's limited focus on the nature of the Buddha.

What distinguishes Tibetan Buddhism from other branches of Mahayana?

Tibetan Buddhism has developed unique features, including the use of magic, elaborate clergy (the Lamas), and a focus on the integration of indigenous practices. While it shares doctrinal foundations with Mahayana, its isolated development led to distinct practices and rituals.

Why did Mahayana Buddhism fade in India while it flourished abroad?

Mahayana Buddhism began to decline in India during the 11th century due to a combination of invasions, the rise of Islam, and the absorption of Buddhist ideas into Hinduism. Meanwhile, Mahayana Buddhism thrived abroad because of its adaptability to local cultures and beliefs.

What are the 'Ten Bhumis' in Mahayana Buddhism?

The 'Ten Bhumis' represent stages on the path to Buddhahood in Mahayana Buddhism, each marked by the cultivation of virtues such as generosity, morality, patience, and wisdom. These stages culminate in the realization of full Buddhahood, with each stage associated with a 'perfection' (paramita).

How does Pureland Buddhism differ from other Mahayana practices?

Pureland Buddhism focuses on the devotion to Amitabha Buddha and the aspiration to be reborn in the Pure Land, a paradise where attaining enlightenment is easier. This practice involves the recitation of Amitabha's name, often leading to a simpler path toward liberation compared to other Mahayana practices.

What is the significance of meditation in Zen Buddhism?

Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation (zazen) as the primary means of attaining enlightenment. It stresses direct, personal experience of reality rather than reliance on scriptures or rituals, aligning closely with Taoist mysticism. The goal is to achieve insight into the true nature of existence.

What role did the Soka Gakkai play in modern Japanese Buddhism?

Soka Gakkai, a militant form of Nichiren Buddhism founded in the 1930s, grew rapidly after World War II. The movement used aggressive recruitment methods, including coercion and fear, and formed a political party that became a powerful influence in Japan. It exemplifies a more activist and political interpretation of Buddhism.