Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayana

Exploring Theravāda's connections to other paths - what can we learn from other traditions, religions and philosophies?
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Dan74
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Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayana

Post by Dan74 »

I thought of starting a thread with some teachings on the difference between the two major Buddhist traditions.

There was some discussions recently and rather than rehash this old saw, I thought it might be more informative to have some resources to refer people to when they ask. I hope mods allow some controversial teachings here that may not be altogether favourable to show a spectrum of views.

Here's a few I've got at my fingertips (my favourite is the second):

Ajahn Brahm (Theravada Thai Forest):



Ajahn Amaro (Theravada Thai Forest):

http://spooksrus.tripod.com/buddha-bill ... avada.html

Ven Dr Walpola Rahula (Srilanka monk and scholar):

http://www.chuadieuphap.us/English_Sect ... hayana.asp

Robert Thurman (former Tibetan monk, scholar and translator for the Dalai Lama):



Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield (Theravada - IMS):

http://www.beezone.com/theravada/jack_k ... stein.html

I know Ajahn Buddhadasa has said quite a lot on the subject but I couldn't find anything online. If anyone would like to contribute other materials, that would be great. Otherwise I can add to it from time to time.
Last edited by Dan74 on Mon Oct 07, 2013 12:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
_/|\_
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Virgo
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by Virgo »

Edit: Nevermind.

Kevin
Last edited by Virgo on Wed Oct 09, 2013 12:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Aloka
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by Aloka »

Dan74 wrote:I hope mods allow some controversial teachings here ..
Like what? ....teachings speaking about the "lesser" vehicle "Hinayana" and your own "greater" vehicle Mahayana ?
....that may not be altogether favourable to show a spectrum of views
Not altogether favourable to whom ? Theravadins ?

I don't really understand what you mean, sorry.

I also don't mean to be rude - but I think one persons opinion of a good or bad teacher or an interesting teaching may not be someone elses, so who's to say that any videos and essays posted in this thread are beneficial as 'resources' anyway ?


:anjali:


.
Last edited by Aloka on Sun Oct 06, 2013 9:43 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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m0rl0ck
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by m0rl0ck »

In an attempt to pour some oil on the already roiling waters:
Mahayana and Theravada

Now, what is the difference between Mahayana and Theravada?

I have studied Mahayana for many years and the more I study it, the more I find there is hardly any difference between Theravada and Mahayana with regard to the fundamental teachings.

Both accept Sakyamuni Buddha as the Teacher.
The Four Noble Truths are exactly the same in both schools.
The Eightfold Path is exactly the same in both schools.
The Paticca-samuppada or the Dependent Origination is the same in both schools.
Both rejected the idea of a supreme being who created and governed this world.
Both accept Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta and Sila, Samadhi, Panna without any difference.

These are the most important teachings of the Buddha and they are all accepted by both schools without question.
http://www.chuadieuphap.us/English_Sect ... hayana.asp
“The truth knocks on the door and you say, "Go away, I'm looking for the truth," and so it goes away. Puzzling.” ― Robert M. Pirsig
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Dan74
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by Dan74 »

Aloka, this thread is not meant to be about contention but just providing different resources. If you have something from a teacher you like on the subject, please share.

Morlock, thanks! But I've already linked that one.
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m0rl0ck
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by m0rl0ck »

Dan74 wrote:Aloka, this thread is not meant to be about contention but just providing different resources. If you have something from a teacher you like on the subject, please share.

Morlock, thanks! But I've already linked that one.
oh ok. duh :)
“The truth knocks on the door and you say, "Go away, I'm looking for the truth," and so it goes away. Puzzling.” ― Robert M. Pirsig
Samma
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by Samma »

Arahants, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... ttvas.html

Berzin (tibetan scholar) on theravada hinayana mahayana:
http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/ar ... ayana.html

Brian Ruhe, tibetan converted to theravadan (thai forrest).
This guy is a bit wacky but eh :stirthepot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BlZDpQ07cY
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bodom
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Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Post by bodom »

The Lesser, The Greater, The Diamond and The Way
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha082.htm

:anjali:
Liberation is the inevitable fruit of the path and is bound to blossom forth when there is steady and persistent practice. The only requirements for reaching the final goal are two: to start and to continue. If these requirements are met there is no doubt the goal will be attained. This is the Dhamma, the undeviating law.

- BB
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