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Philosophy 312: Oriental Philosophy
Main Schools of Buddhism
Abstract: The contrast of the two main
schools of Buddhism is briefly sketched.
I. First origins of the main schools began to develop almost
immediately after Buddha's death.
A. Like many ancient teachers Buddha, himself, wrote nothing which has survived. The first written records of Buddhism were
composed almost one hundred and fifty years after he died.
B. Many texts and interpretations began to appear; partisan schools of thought developed.
1. Buddha's followers began to identify things which symbolized teachings of the master
a. Bo-tree: the tree of wisdom.
b. Lotus blossom: anyone can rise up and transcend the surroundings.
c. Wheel: the endless rounds of becoming and the way to truth.
2. Buddha's attributed thoughts were written down into three
sections: the Tripitka. Later, many additions were made to the scriptures.
C. Due to Buddha's Noble
Silence, crucial controversial philosophical points were left for discussion and development.
D. Almost five hundred years after Buddha's death two main schools had developed--the schools divided their opinions on essentially three basic questions.
1. Are human beings inherently social creatures or not?
a. If the answer is "yes," then Mahayana school.
b. If the answer is "no," then Theravada school.
2. Is the world essentially safe or dangerous?
a. If the answer is "safe," then Mahayana School.
b. If the answer is "dangerous," then Theravada school.
3. Is feeling (valuing) or reason the more basic attribute of human beings?
a. If the answer is "feeling," then Mahayana School.
b. If the answer if "reason," then Theravada school.
II. The contrast of the two main schools may be tabulated as follows.
Theravada
(Way of the Elders)
(Hinayana, "Little Raft") |
Mahayana
("Big Raft") |
realism
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absolute idealism
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realization by
self-effort
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salvation of grace
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the individual is
important;
individual salvation
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society is important;
universal salvation
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emphasis of wisdom
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emphasis of compassion
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religion of total
concern
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life in world is of
concern
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Arhat ideal--eliminate
excessive
desire and craving.
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Bodhisattva
ideal--help
others overcome suffering.
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Noble Silence
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some metaphysics
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no ritual
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ritualistic
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meditation
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prayer
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conservative
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liberal
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Buddha is a holy man
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Buddha is a savior
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Single tradition
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Divided tradition:
scriptures,
devotion, ritual, political,
Zen.
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