Download The_Three_Rafts_of_Buddhism_table

The Three Rafts of Buddhism---the Major Differences
Weidner
Theravada
.
Nirvana is the
goal of all
Buddhists( to
lose all desire,
craving, and
attachment;
blissful
because life
stops and for
Buddhists life
is suffering
symbolized by
blown out
candle
because the
world is ever
changing);
Mahayana
Vajrayana
Background
Notes
Southern India; one of two official
branches; still practiced closet to
teachings of Siddhartha; called the
"Lesser Vehicle" because of famous
Buddhist legend
Northeastern India; one of two official
branches; all other "branches" come
through Mahayana except Theravada;
called the "Great Vehicle"; most popular
(50%)
Northern India; "mini branch" of
Mahayana (not official branch); aka Tibetan
Buddhism; "The Diamond Vehicle";
smallest; reaction to Hinduism that uses
yogic and tantric traditions
Focus
Adherence to and meditation on
teachings of Buddha- centered on
Siddhartha's actual teachings
Recovery of Buddha's experience of
enlightenment; more on the Life of
Buddha, specifically experiences under
Bodhi Tree
Special powers of rituals, diagrams, and
objects;
Goal is obtaining wisdom (prajna)wisdom is more than knowledge;
represented by Manjushri
Goal is trying to attain their highest virtue,
compassion (Avalokitesvara); believe that
there are many different ways for
individuals to Nirvana
"Fight fire with fire"; harness energy of
desire for good; give into desires to learn
self discipline and restraint; use art, chant,
movement, etc.
Believe that there is only one path to
Nirvana; seek enlightenment as soon
as possible
Everyone is inherently able to reach
Buddhahood; refuse Nirvana until all are
enlightened; believe we are already in
Nirvana but simply don't recognize it
because of earthly distractions- "the void"
Goal
Enlightenment
Audience
Model
Monastic community of monks/bhikkus
and nuns/bhikkunis; the Sangha (Only a
monk can become an arhat- exclusive
and traditional because it was formed
many years before Mahayana)
Arhat- "holy one"; emphasized the
teachings of Buddha- they listened to
Buddha's teachings at the Deer Park
Sermon
Laity- because everyone can reach Nirvana
(Anyone can become a bodhisattvainclusive and nontraditional)
.
Bodhisattva- embodiment of compassion
Dalai Lama- believed to be reincarnation of
Buddha of compassion
Use of mudras, mantras, and mandalas;
tantras and yogas are supposed to sharpen
focus ("Diamond Vehicle")
Rituals
Worship
Festivals
Gender and
ritual
Composition of
sacred texts
Collation of
sacred texts
Use desire to reach enlightenment
(mandala)
Do not worship Buddha as a God but
have great reverence for his teachings
and the way he lived
Have reverence for Buddha but say they
don't deify him; "stupa"- temple
representing Buddha's figure in the lotus
position
Development of
sacred texts
Source of
Doctrines
Eschatology
Cosmogony and
cosmology
Authority
Experience
Gender and
Religious
Experience
Only male monks can achieve
Nirvana; women cannot and have to
live well to hope to be reborn as a
male
Ethics
Should practice good conduct and
live a life of merit (bunya)
Doesn't use term "monk" because they
have to follow ten precepts, while "lamas"
do not
Should live compassionate lives