1.1. TheravadaTheravada

2.2. MahayanaMahayana

3.3. Vajrayana Vajrayana

Three Rafts for Three Rafts for Crossing the River:Crossing the River:

Buddhists compare the quest for salvation to the crossing of a river

On this side of the river is the realm of samsara. On the other side nirvana

Buddhism has divided into three great rafts or vehicles Theravada – the lesser vehicle Mahayana – the great vehicle Vajrayana – the vehicle of the diamond

Theravada: “The Way Theravada: “The Way of the Elders”of the Elders”

Means the way of the elders Conservative movement

– Follows the earliest texts – Tends to agree with the

original teachings of the Buddha

The Buddha experienced enlightenment and then taught others how to accomplish the same

The teachings of the Buddha are most important than the Buddha himself

Focuses on the teachings of the Buddha: cultivate wisdom through knowing the four Noble Truths and eightfold path

The heart of Theravada Buddhism is its community of monks

Mahayana: The Great Vehicle Mahayana: The Great Vehicle The largest division of Buddhism- half of the world’s

Buddhists Focuses on the Buddha himself – celebrating him as a divine

savior – It opens the door to religious devotion and prayer

Offers salvation through the infinite grace of the compassionate Buddha

Recognizes the salvific grace of all the Buddhas of the past Reveres bodhisattvas

Are Buddhas in the making dedicated to attaining enlightenment

Capable of entering into nirvana – but motivated by compassion stop to help others achieve it

Exist beyond an earthly ream and are believed to dwell in one of the Buddhist heavens, from which they provide divine assistance to those who worship them

Transfer merit of their karma to their devotees On occasion they appear in the world as human

beings The ideal type rather than the arhat Compassion is the supreme virtue- more important

than wisdom Have vowed that they will wait to enter nirvana until

“the last blade of grass” has become enlightened.

BodhisattvasBodhisattvas

Vajrayana: Tibetan Vajrayana: Tibetan BuddhismBuddhism

Means the vehicle of the diamond or vehicle of the lightning bolt

The name suggests strength, clarity, wisdom, and flashes of light

Practices and beliefs constituted by special chants and rituals

Interested in the acquisition of both internal and external powers and holds that such powers may be attained through proper ritual.

Vajrayana’s homelandVajrayana’s homeland

Homeland is Tibet Has endured religious persecution by China’s

communist government– Many have been killed– Many others are now living in exile in India and

elsewhere

Origins of Vajrayana Origins of Vajrayana

Vajrayana Buddhism was influenced by Tantric Buddhism– Named Tantric for its

scriptures the Tantras meaning “spread out”

The Tantras taught that the body and all its energies could be used to reach enlightenment– Tantric Buddhism

shows influence from Hinduism

LamaLama A Tibetan

spiritual teacher is often called lama– Lama is a Tibetan

translation of the word guru

– This title is frequently used as a title of honor for all monks

Dalai LamaDalai Lama Another important feature of Vajrayana is

its institution of lamas– A hierarchy of clergy headed by the

Dalai Lama– Dalai Lama means “ocean superior

one” Originated with the incarnation of a

prominent bodhisattva The lineage is believed to continue

through the reincarnation of one Dalai Lama into the next

Whenever a Dalai Lama dies, his successor (incarnation) is sought, found, and trained.

A delegation of monks consult a state oracle about the place of rebirth, take objects that belonged to the previous Dalai Lama and mixed them with similar objects.

The boy who recognizes the objects is chosen as the Dalai Lama

Objects play a key role– Vajra- Sanskrit for

either Diamond or Lightening Bolt - a metal object

– Bell- symbolizes wisdom

– When used together, one in each hand, they represent the union of wisdom and compassion

Means to achieve enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism:– Mudras – choreographed hand gestures, can be

performed to a chant For example, the right hand extended with the palm

outward and the finger pointing up is a mudra of blessing

If the palm is open but the hand is turned downward, the mudra symbolizes generosity

Means to achieve enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism:– Mantras – resonating chants that harness the

spiritual potency of sound Can be chanted or written to bring power and wisdom

through repetition

Means to achieve enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism:– Mandalas- geometrical designs that present

reality in symbolic forms- used in meditation

Human beings are attracted to the world through vivid images, sounds, tastes, dances, rituals, etc.

Tantric Buddhism believes that the individual can “fight fire with fire” by confronting worldly attractions through paintings, chants, rituals, and mandalas – How does Vajrayana

Buddhism “fight fire with fire”? It harnesses the energy of

desire and turns it against itself

Doing this helps to detach from the attractions they are confronted with

Mandala Mandala is Sanskrit for circle, polygon,

community, connection. The mandala is often illustrated as a palace

with four gates, facing the four corners of the Earth.

Geometrical art form Often used in meditation It may represent in symbolic form the entire

universe, the palace of a deity, or even the self

A common form is a circle within or enclosing a square, or a series of circles and squares that grow smaller and smaller as they come closer to the center of the design

Another form looks like a checkerboard of many squares

For some ceremonies, monks create a mandala in sand

Then destroy it at the end of the ritual, expressing vividly the Buddhist teaching that everything must change

Mandala Geometrical art form Often used in meditation It may represent in symbolic form the entire universe, the

palace of a deity, or even the self A common form is a circle within or enclosing a square, or a

series of circles and squares that grow smaller and smaller as they come closer to the center of the design

Another form looks like a checkerboard of many squares It may appear as a painting on cloth, but it may take many

forms For some ceremonies, monks create a mandala in sand Then destroy it at the end of the ritual, expressing vividly the

Buddhist teaching that everything must change

Mandalas