Diversity in Buddhism!

Contents: Theravada Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism

• Theravada Buddhists is the only Buddhist Diversity which exists from this

day on. BUT WHY IS IT THE ONLY GROUP?• Just after the Buddha had died, the Bhikku’s (Monks) and Bikkuni’s

(Nuns) decided to separate into different groups and carry on the Buddha’s teachings. However, they did change them slightly.

• After, all the groups disappeared because they were joining Theravada’s guidance. So all the other groups were just left.

• Theravada Buddhism is practiced largely in Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka.

• Theravada’s believe a person who reaches enlightenment is called a ‘Arahat.’ It is easier to become a Arahat is you are a Bhikku's or a Bikkuni's. Theravada Buddhism stresses the importance of life in Vihara (Temple)

Theravada Buddhism

• Theravada Buddhism say that the Buddha was an ordinary man, the only difference between him and a man was that he was Enlightened.

• WHAT DO BUDDHISTS CELEBRATE?• One of the most important celebrations is Wesak. Buddhists think about the

birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. • Buddhists will spend the day together in the temple, listening to scriptures,

listening, chanting and meditating.

• Mahayana covers everything, which enables more people to benefit. Mahayana Buddhists agree that the Buddha was an enlightened human being in history, but say that the important thing about him was his enlightenment.

• This means the history is unimportant to Mahayanist. • The Mahayana Buddhists that the most important difference is the belief in

Bodhisattvas. Somebody who has reached enlightenment but decides not to go to heaven yet (to join the Buddha) but to be reincarnated and to teach the others about Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism

There are so many other stories within’ Mahayana Buddhism of great Bodhisattvas.

Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara

Bodhisattvas Manjusuri

• DID YOU KNOW THAT TIBET IS 16,000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL!?

• It is made op of huge open spaces surrounded by mountains!• It is a very difficult place to live, as there is not much oxygen because of

how high it is and barley any wildlife! For over a thousand of years, Buddhism has been practiced in Tibet and other surrounding countries.

• It’s worship absorbs chanting, richly decorated robes and beautiful images.

Tibetan Buddhism

• There are some of the different diagnostic features of Tibetan Buddhists:

• 1. Mudras- Different hand positions and gestures.• 2. Mantras- Prayers/ chants repeated over an over

again. • 3. F focusing and visualising.• 4. Flags• 5. Lamas. Religious teachings.

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