Page 1 of 1

Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayana

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 1:40 pm
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.

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 8:05 pm
by Virgo
Edit: Nevermind.

Kevin

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 8:46 pm
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:


.

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 9:01 pm
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

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 9:51 pm
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.

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 9:53 pm
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 :)

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 10:48 pm
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

Re: Teachers on the difference between Theravada and Mahayan

Posted: Mon Oct 07, 2013 1:19 am
by bodom
The Lesser, The Greater, The Diamond and The Way
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/ebdha082.htm

:anjali: