Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

• Also known as the "Great Vehicle.”

• A later development of Buddhism that arose in North India out of variations and schisms that began during the 3rd century B.C.E.

• Emerged out of monastic rule and doctrinal differences within the original form of Buddhism.

• It originated from the foundational teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

• It aims to extend religious authority to a larger number of people.

• Not a single group, but an assembly of Buddhist customs with numerous schools.

• Widespread in: China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, Tibet.

King Ashoka

A Mauryan king who lived during the 3rd century B.C.E. and actively propagated Buddhism through missionary efforts.

Mahasamghika

Meaning "of the Great Sangha," it was one of the early Buddhist schools associated with the initial growth and development of Mahayana Buddhism.

Sthaviea Nikaya

Known as the "Sect of the Elders," it was an early Buddhist school that had differences with the Mahasamghika, which ultimately contributed to the formation of new forms of Buddhism.

Mahayana View of Siddhartha Gautama

A perspective in Mahayana Buddhism where Siddhartha Gautama is viewed not merely as a human being but as a benevolent celestial being who secretly taught key principles to chosen or highly dedicated disciples.

Celestial Being

The Mahayana view of Siddhartha Gautama as a divine or heavenly figure who exists to help lessen people's suffering and lead them to salvation, rather than just an ordinary mortal teacher.

Important Mahayana Sutras

• Lotus Sutra

• Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Prajna paramita)

• Heart Sutra

• "Land of Bliss" / Pure Land Sutra (Sukhavati)

Lotus Sutra

• One of the most important and influential sutras of Buddhism.

• Teaches the ultimate truth of life to which Shakyamuni was enlightened.

• Encourages active engagement with mundane life and its challenges.

• Teaches the infinite potential and dignity inherent in each human life.

Buddahood

• It is inherent within every person.

• It exists without distinction of gender, ethnicity, social standing, and intellectual ability.

• It is a source of positive energy to grapple with and transform suffering.

Perfection of Wisdom Sitea

• Prajnaparamita.

• Central concept in Mahayana Buddhism.

• Associated with the doctrine of emptiness (Shunyata).

• Understanding and practice are essential to the Bodhisattva path.

Prajña

Wisdom

Paramita

• Perfection

• Meaning “perfections” or “to cross over to the shore”, these are spiritual virtues associated with the Bhumis that represent crossing from the “sea of suffering” to the “shore of happiness.”

Heart Sutra

• A short sutra that summarizes the doctrine of emptiness (Shunyata).

• Discusses the nature of reality.

• Teaches that things are devoid of permanence, and thus "empty."

• Awareness of emptiness leads toward release from samsara and wisdom preceding enlightenment.

• Shunyata → Wisdom → Release from Samsara → Enlightenment.

Land of Bliss / Pure Land Sutra

• Also called Sukhavati.

• These schools are widespread throughout East Asia.

• Rebirth in this is associated with invoking the name of Amitabha.

• It is described as a joyous world.

• Amitabha sits on a lotus in the midst of a terraced pond.

• Attended by bodhisattvas such as: Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta.

• Those reborn there can work toward enlightenment and liberation of all sentient beings.

Trikaya

It is the “three bodies” of the Buddha.

The Three Bodies of the Buddha

• Dharmakaya

• Sambhogakaya

• Nirmanakaya

Dharmakaya

Body of absolute truth; absolute nature of all beings.

Sambhogakaya

Body that experiences bliss of enlightenment.

Nirmanakaya

Body that manifests in the world; Buddha's earthly/human form.

Bodhisattva

• It is an enlightened being who has put off entering paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment.

• It has generated bodhicitta the spontaneous desire to achieve enlightenment.

• They renounce their own immediate salvation and entrance into nirvana.

• They devote their power and energy to saving suffering beings in this world.

• They are commonly associated with compassion.

Avalokiteshvara

They are known in China as Guanyin.

Bhumis

Meaning "grounds" or "lands," these are the ten stages of spiritual development that a Bodhisattva must pass through before attaining full Buddhahood.

Bodhisattva Vow

A sacred commitment taken by a practitioner on the Mahayana path, expressed as: “May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.”

The Ten Bhumis

• Pramudita-bhumi

• Vimala-bhumi

• Prabhakari-bhumi

• Sudurjaya-bhumi

• Abhimukhi-bhumi

• Durangama-bhumi

• Aeala-bhumi

• Sadhumati-bhumi

• Dharmamegha-bhumi

Pramudita-bhumi

Joyful Land - inspired to enlightenment.

Vimala-bhumi

Land of Purity - purified of immoral conduct

Prabhakari-bhumi

Radiant Land - free from greed, hate, and ignorance.

Archismati-bhumi

Brilliant/Blazing Land - burns away false conceptions.

Sudurjaya-bhumi

Difficult-to-Conquer Land - deep meditation and understanding.

Abhimukhi-bhumi

Land Looking Toward Wisdom - understands emptiness

Durangama-bhumi

Far-Reaching Land - develops skillful means to help others.

Aeala-bhumi

Immovable Land - no longer disturbed by ignorance.

Sadhumati-bhumi

Land of Good Thoughts - understands all dharmas.

Dharmamegha-bhumi

Land of Dharma Clouds - confirmed in Buddhahood.

The Six Paramitas

• Dana Paramita

• Sila Paramita

• Ksanti Paramita

• Virya Paramita

• Dhyana Paramita

• Prajna Paramita

Dana Paramita

Perfection of Generosity.

Sila Paramita

Perfection of Morality

Ksanti Paramita

Perfection of Patience / Forbearance

Virya Paramita

Perfection of Energy / Diligence

Dhyana Paramita

Perfection of Meditation / Concentration

Prajna Paramita

Perfection of Wisdom

Major Mahayana Schools / Subdivisions

• Pure Land Sect

• Intuitive Sects

• Rationalist Sect

• Socio-political Sect

• Tibetan Buddhism

Pure Land Sect

• Began in India around the 2nd century B.C.E.

• Spread to China and later Japan.

• Objective: rebirth in the "Pure Land of the West" or Sukhavati.

• Focuses on Amitabha.

• Followers recite the name of Amitabha with utmost attentiveness.

• Rebirth in Sukhavati provides favorable conditions for achieving enlightenment.

• Uses chants and recitations in addition to meditation.

Intuitive Sect

• Salvation is a personal matter.

• Scriptures, temples, statues, prayers, and rituals are not necessarily essential.

• Spiritual enlightenment may occur through a sudden spark of insight.

• Meditation and intuitive understanding are important.

• Zen Buddhism is associated with this emphasis.

Rationalist Sect

• T'ien-t'ai emerged around the 6th century C.E.

• Founded by Chih-I (Zhiyi).

• Emphasized study and contemplation.

• Other means include: Scriptures, Silent meditation, Ascetic discipline, Meritorious deeds, and Faith.

Socio-Political Sect: Nichiren Buddhism

• Founded by Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese Buddhist monk in the 13th century.

• Teaches that the path toward enlightenment rests on devotion to the Lotus Sutra.

• Believes enlightenment is accessible to every individual.

Nichiren Buddhism

A socio-political sect of Mahayana Buddhism and a distinctly Japanese development, founded by the monk Nichiren Daishonin in the 13th century.

Nichiren Daishonin

A 13th-century Japanese Buddhist monk who founded Nichiren Buddhism and considered himself a Buddha.

Lotus Sutra

The central sacred text in Nichiren Buddhism, devotion to which is believed to be the primary path toward enlightenment.

Human Revolution

A core concept in Nichiren Buddhism emphasizing that by improving oneself, an individual can, in turn, improve the world.

Universal Enlightenment

The fundamental belief in Nichiren Buddhism that enlightenment is accessible to every individual.

Tibetan Buddhism

A form of Buddhism officially introduced into Tibet around the 7th century C.E. that became a dominant force by the late 8th century C.E., combining Mahayana teachings with Tantric traditions, shamanic elements, and the ancient Bon religion.

Bon

The ancient indigenous religion of Tibet that, along with Tantric traditions and shamanic elements, blended with Mahayana teachings to form Tibetan Buddhism.

Dalai Lama

• The best-known spiritual and cultural figure of Tibetan Buddhism.

• He fled to India in 1959.

• He has continued to travel internationally, promoting peace and hope.

• He received several international recognitions, including: Nobel Peace Prize (1989), U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (2007), and Templeton Prize (2012).

• Tibetan Buddhism developed in exile after the loss of political control over Tibet.

Religion in Exile

The status of Tibetan Buddhism following China's occupation of Tibet. which forced its leaders and practices outside of their traditional homeland.

Vajrayana

The specific Buddhist "vehicle" or path that is taught within Tibetan Buddhism alongside other Buddhist traditions.

Tibet Invasion

• For centuries, China and India claimed Tibet as part of their territories.

• In 1950, China annexed Tibet.

• The Seventeen Point Agreement confirmed China's authority over Tibet while granting the area autonomy.

• In 1959, the Tibetan uprising was defeated by Chinese forces.

• The Dalai Lama and his followers escaped to India and lived as refugees.

• During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), around 6,000 monasteries were destroyed.

• From 1959 to 1977, many elements of Tibetan Buddhism were severely damaged or destroyed. Many Tibetans were killed or driven into exile.

Buddhist Activism and Resistance

The participation of Buddhist monks in political and social movements, such as the protests against government persecution in South Vietnam during the 1960s.

Thich Quang Duc

A Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who carried out self-immolation in 1963 as a form of extreme protest against government persecution.

Self-immolation

The act of sacrificing oneself by fire, famously carried out by Vietnamese Buddhist monks in 1963 to protest religious oppression and draw international attention to their cause.

Soka Gakkai

• Founded in Japan in 1930.

• Based on the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism.

• Expanded rapidly after World War II.

• Became involved in political activity.

• A political party associated with the movement, Komeito, was formed.

Tzu Chi Foundation

• Founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Buddhist nun Cheng Yen.

• Began with 30 volunteer followers.

• Developed into an international humanitarian organization.

• Its activities include: Medical care, Education, Disaster relief, and Charitable assistance.

• Founded on the idea of "humanist Buddhism.

• Inspired by the Bodhisattva ideal of helping people and reducing suffering.

The Bodhisattva Ideal in Practice

Tzu Chi demonstrates:

• Compassion for suffering beings

• Service to others

• Humanitarian assistance

• Disaster response

• Education and healthcare

• Helping people regardless of race, color, or belief