Mahayana Buddhism MAHAYANA BUDDHISM HISTORICAL BACKGROUND A later development arose in north India that came to be known as the Mahayana (lit. “Greater Vehicle’) school. During the third century B.C.E., a number of subtle variations began to take place in Buddhism at a time when the Mauryan king Ashoka was propagating Buddhist gospels through missionary efforts (Hopfe 1983). The Mahasamghika of the Great Sangha’), one of the early Buddhist schools, may have been the source for the initial growth of Mahayana Buddhism, especially duting the “Second Buddhist Council’ that occurred a hundred years after Buddha's parinirvana. Considered a historical event, a religious schism between the Mahasamghika and Sthavira nikaya (‘Sect of the Elders’), another major Buddhist school, transpired during the said council. These new ideas eventually concretized resulting in a new form of Buddhism quite different from the original teachings taught by Siddhartha Gautama and to those accepted by Theravada Buddhists. In short, Mahayana Buddhism practically became a new religion. These new developments within the newfound Buddhist sect comprise a set of differing notions pertaining to the original founder and great teacher Siddhartha Gautama himself. Firstly, Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha secretly taught key principles to chosen people, to his most dedicated disciples, or to the most faithful who could completely interpret these teachings in time (Hopfe 1983; Losch 2001). Secondly, Mahayana Buddhists forwarded the concept that Siddhartha Gautama was actually a benevolent celestial being, not just a mere human being. Because of his love for humankind and zeal to help the people, he came to our world in human form. Thirdly, Mahayana Buddhists advanced the radical idea that ‘Siddhartha Gautama was not the only Buddha. There were other divine beings that came to our world even before Siddhartha, some of them came after him, and still others will come in the future. Principally, these beings came to earth to help lessen people's sufferings and lead them to salvation. This unique concept impressed many followers because they can now revere these beings, study their lives, construct temples, and develop an innovative belief system replete with rituals and hymns, among others (Hopfe 1983).Ironically, while Buddhism was being propagated and gaining support in other countries even to the remotest places, it was steadily dying in India where it all started because of the series of invasions destroyed numerous Buddhist centers and temples land the rising tide of other religions in India like Islam, Hinduism and Jainism. SACRED SCRIPTURES Mahayana Buddhism has 2184 Sutras (sacred texts). ‘The most popular Mahayana Sutras a 1) Lotus Sutra Lotus Sutra is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of Buddhism. In it, Shakyamuni expounds the ultimate truth of life to which he was enlightened. The sutra's key message is that Buddhahood, the supreme state of life characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom and courage, is inherent within every person without distinction of gender, ethnicity, social standing or intellectual ability. The Lotus Sutra is a teaching that encourages an active engagement with mundane life and all its challenges. Buddhahood is not an escape from these challenges but an inexhaustible source of positive energy to grapple with and transform the sufferings and contradictions of life and create happiness. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has written, the Lotus Sutra is ultimately a teaching of empowerment. It ‘teaches us that the inner determination of an individual can transform everything; it gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent in each human life. 2) Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Prajna-paramita) - Prajfiaparamita refers to this perfected way of seeing the nature of reality, as well as to a particular body of sutras, and to the personification of the concept in the Bodhisattva known as the "Great Mother" (Tibetan: Yum Chenmo). The word Prajfiaparamita combines the Sanskrit words praia ‘wisdom with paramita “ “perfection. Prajflaparamita is a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism and is generally associated with the doctrine of emptiness (Shunyata) or ‘ack of Svabhava’ (essence) and the works of Nagarjuna. Its practice and understanding are taken to be indispensable elements of the Bodhisattva path3) Heart Sutra - True to its title, this short sutra goes to the heart of the doctrine it summarizes. In the space of a single page (some versions adding an introductory and a concluding paragraph), in words ascribed to the bodhisattva ("buddha-to-be") of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, the Heart Sutra discusses the doctrine of “emptiness” (shunyata), whichis the nature of reality. The process of death and rebirth (samsara), the suffering (dukkha) that one experiences while knowing that one may die, the effects of past actions (karma) that bind one to samsara, the skandhas that constitute a sense of selfhood, the ephemeral and microscopic dharmas that constitute phenomenal reality—all are revealed to be devoid of permanence, and thus “emply.” Awareness of such emptiness leads to release (moksha) from samsara and to the wisdom that precedes enlightenment (bodhi). 4) "Land of Bliss" Sutra (Sukhavati) or “Pure Land of Bliss” - According to followers of the Pure Land schools, which are widespread throughout East Asia, rebirth in Sukhavati is ensured by invoking the name of Amitabha, particularly at the moment of death. According to the “arger” of the Pure Land sutras, only men may be reborn in Sukhavati; this teaching was repeated and adapted by some Buddhist groups as Pure Land teachings spread from India into East Asia. However, some vernacular Buddhist witings, particularly in East Asia, demonstrate a popular belief that women may also enter Sukhavati upon death Sukhavati is expressively described in the Pure Land sutras as being a joyous world, soft and glowing, fled with the music of birds and the tinkling of trees adorned with precious jewels and garlands of golden bells. Amitabha sits on a lotus in the midst of a terraced pond, attended by the bodhisattvas ("buddhas-to-be") Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta. The newly dead enter into lotus buds, which unfold when the occupants have become entirely purified and have attained enlightenment. Many are said to be reborn on Earth after leaving Sukhavati to become bodhisattvas working toward the liberation (moksha) of all sentient beingsBELIEFS AND DOCTRINES Siddhartha Gautama, bom in the fifth or sixth century C.E. in present-day Nepal, is considered the historical Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. After he attained enlightenment at the age of 35, he came to be known as Gautama Buddha and spent the rest of his life preaching across India. He died at the age of 80. ‘The concept of tikaya (‘three bodies”) pertains to the teaching of Mahayana Buddhism about the nature of the Buddha and reality. In Mahayana Buddhism, this doctrine states that each Buddha has three bodies, namely, dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and ritmanakaya. The table below summarizes the nature of the three bodies of Buddha ‘The Body Nature or Aspect Manifestation of “Buddha-hood” Dharmakcya Body of absolute truth: absolute nature ofall beings Buddha is transcendent Sambiragakaya Body that experiences bis of enlightenment Buddha's body of blss, or enjoyment body Nimenckoya Body that manifests the workd;embodment of Buddha’ earthly body, just Eke any other ddharmalaya in human form human beings body The dharmakaya is identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute and beyond existence or non-existence. Everyone is capable of attaining this special place which is beyond perceptual forms. As a body of bliss, the state of crossing point between the two sambhogakaya is already enlightened but remains distinctive Believed to be a remuneration of one’s aggregated positive deeds, it serves as a other trikayas of Buddha. Lastly, nirmanakaya is the physical body that undergoes birth, inhabits the world, and dies in the end. The great teacher Siddhartha Gautama is an ‘example of a Buddha ina state of nirmanakaya. For Mahayana Buddhists, Buddhas are not individuals who actually lived in this world. In some ways, they are simply expressions of the one Buddha reality, such as. that of Siddhartha Gautama (Brown 1975). These great Buddhas are to be found in various heavens enshrined together with other gods and saints. In China, Aritabha is a very popular Buddha. In Japan, Vairocana is the great Buddha.Bodhisattva: One distinct feature of Mahayana Buddhism concerns its teaching about an enlightened being or bodhisattva (enlightened existence’) which is the ulimate way for any Buddhist to live in this world. A bodhisattva has generated bodhicitta or the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened. The concept of bodhicitta greatly differs between the two main schools of Buddhism Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have put off entering paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment. There are many different Bodhisattvas, but the most famous in China is Avalokitesvara, known in Chinese as Guanyin. sentation” Bodhisattvas are usually depicted as less austere or inward than the Buddha. Renouncing their own salvation and immediate entrance into nirvana, they devote all their power and energy to saving suffering beings in this world. As the dety of compassion, Bodhisattvas are typically represented with precious jewelry, elegant garments and graceful postures. Bhumis and Paramitas Based on the Mahayana tradition, a bochisattva must pass 10 Bhumis (‘grounds” of ‘land") before attaining the so-called “Buddha-hood.” These are extensions of the “Eightfold Path” as discussed in the previous lesson on Theravada Buddhism. The Bhumis are frequently associated with the paramitas (‘perfections’). Translated as “to cross over the other shore,” paramitas imply crossing from the “sea of suffering’ to the “shore of happiness." One is lifted from the cycle of rebirth to finally achieve liberation. While the fist five paramitas are principally concerned with the accumulation of merits, the sixth paramita involves the attainment of ‘wisdom ‘Several Mahayana texts identify 10 Bhumis, but many schools list their own path to development. A boddhisattva vow is stated as “May | attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.” The 10 bhumis as lifted from Avatamsaka Sutra or “Flower Garland Sutra,” one of the most influential sutra of Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia, are listed below:WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES Buddhism integrates an assortment of religious practices and devotional rituals with the objective of aiding worshippers in their journey toward enlightenment and in bringing blessings to each and every one. In Buddhist temples, they pray and chant to pay their respect to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Amitabha. They also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay homage to these important divine beings. Mahayana rituals can be quite elaborate with the addition of other disciples of Siddhartha Gautama and important bodhisattvas. Worshippers also recite chants and undertake pilgrimages to sites of Buddhist importance. Meditational activities are fundamental in almost all popular forms of Buddhism. The lotus that symbolizes purity, the eight-spoke wheels that represent the dharma, and the different hand gestures (mudras) are important symbols for Mahayana Buddhism SUBDIVISIONS Mahayana Buddhism consists of a variety of schools and family of religions. 1. The Pure Land Sect Pure Land Buddhism began in India around the second century B.C.E., spread to China by the second century C.E., and reached Japan around sixth century C.E. When believers die, it is their objective to live in the “Pure Land of the West" or ‘Sukhavati. By simply reciting the name of the Amitabha with utmost attentiveness many times during the day, they may be reborn in this paradise where they can work to achieve enlightenment much easier. Amitabha, the god who supervises over a western paradise, is the focus of this sect. Once in Sukhavali, people can experience the delight in hearing Amitabha teach the dharma in preparation for their entry to nirvana. Aside from meditations, this Buddhist sect utilizes chants and recitations to focus on helpful thoughts (Losch 2001). 2. The Intuitive Sects The intuitive sects emphasize that salvation is a personal matter and one ‘cannot receive assistance from other entities, such as another person or institution, to realize the inner truths of religion. In short, most elements of religion—from scriptures, temples, statues, prayers, and rituals—are not essential to achieve enlightenment. An individual may be spiritually enlightened by a sudden spark of insight, either through meditation or even by accident, beyond words or thoughts. Modern European thinkers have been attracted to Zen Buddhism because of its concept on simplicity and intuitive inspiration (Brown 1975) 3. The Rationalist Sect A rationalist Buddhist school of thought called Tien-t'ai emerged around the sixth century C.E. with its name originating from a mountain in southeastem China where its founder Chih-I or Zhiyi lived. Chih-| emphasized that acts of studying andcontemplation were both vital for spiritual enlightenment. Apart from instructions on the scriptures and silent meditation, other means to reach this goal include mystical communion with the eternal, ascetic discipline, meritorious deeds, and simple faith in the mercy of the Buddha (Jurji 1948). 4. The Socio-political Sect ‘A Japanese Buddhist monk by the name of Nichiren Datshonin who lived during the thirteenth century during the Kamakura period began to teach that the path towards attaining enlightenment rested solely on the devotion to the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren (‘sun lotus") Buddhism, which is purely a Japanese phenomenon, perceives itself as the only rightful version of Buddhism. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that individuals must take responsibility to enhance themselves, or what is called “human revolution," and, in turn, to improve the world’s lot. Enlightenment is accessible to every individual on earth simply by opening one’s inherent Buddha-nature in this world. A scripture scholar and an activist, Nichiren himselfis considered a Buddha. Nichiren taught that he alone understood Buddhist truths. He believed that other Buddhist sects in Japan were corrupting the people towards hell 5. Tibetan Buddhism Buddhism was officially introduced into Tibet around the seventh century C.E. during the reign of Songtsan Gampo, considered the founder of the Tibetan Empire. He was influenced by his Chinese and Indian wives who were both Buddhist followers. Buddhism became a dominant force in the region toward the end of the eight century C.E. when the king Trisong Detsen decreed it as the official state religion. Tibetan Buddhism is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was conquered by the Chinese. At one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men were Buddhist monks. Tibetan Buddhism is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was conquered by the Chinese. At one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men were Buddhist monks. The best known face of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since he fled Chinese occupation of his country in 1959. Tibetan Buddhism combines the essential teachings of Mahayana Buddhism with Tantric and Shamanic, and material from an ancient Tibetan religion called Bon ‘Although Tibetan Buddhism is often thought to be identical with Vajrayana Buddhism, they are not identical - Vajrayana is taught in Tibetan Buddhism together with the other vehicles.SELECTED ISSUES Tibet Invasion For centuries, both China and India have been claiming Tibet as part of their territories. Tibet practically enjoyed some degree of independence as none of the claimants pressed their claim. In 1950, however, China annexed Tibet and negotiated the so-called “Seventeen Point Agreement” with the government of the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Rejected repeatedly by the Dalai Lama, this document confirmed China's authority over Tibet, but the area was granted autonomy. In 1959, the Dalai Lama failed in his bid to oust China's puppet rule as the Tibetan uprising was defeated by the more powerful Chinese force. The Dalai Lama, together with his followers escaped to India, and are now living there as refugees. With the implementation of Mao Zedong's “Great Leap Forward” from 1958 to 1961, or China's socio-economic campaign to transform the country into a socialist society, between 200,000 to 1,000,000 Tibetans tragically met their death. During Mao Zedong's “Cultural Revolution,” a socio-political movement from 1966 to 1976 aimed at eliminating capitalism and traditionalism from China, around 6,000 monasteries were destroyed. Tragically, China's occupation of Tibet has led to countless deaths of many Buddhist monks, nuns, and laiety who wished to continue their religious practices in their native land (Douglas 2007). From 1959 to 1977, almost all elements of Tibetan Buddhism were obliterated Engaged Activism Ritual suicides led by Buddhist monks have transpired in the twentieth century ‘as a form of protest to governmental actions. For example, a crisis occurred between Buddhists and the South Vietnamese government led by Ngo Dinh Diem inthe 1960s that had tremendous effect in politics, militancy, and religious tolerance (Braswell 1994). As a result of persecutions undertaken by the government against Buddhists, monks began to lambast the regime that eventually resulted in the setf-immolation of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Mayahana Buddhist monk. He voluntarily burned himself to death in a busy Saigon road intersection in 1963. Later on, several other monks followed his example. The regime tried in vain to suppress Buddhist resistance through massive retaliation and nation-wide assaults in Buddhist pagodas. Temples were defaced, monks were beaten, and Quano Duc's cremated remains were confiscated. Eventually, the regime lost support from the US and an army coup brought down Diem. Amid religious protests and non-violent struggle, Diem was assassinated in 1963,In Japan, a militant and missionary form of Buddhism was founded in 1930 called the Soka Gakkai, a religious movement based on the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. During the Second World War, the group temporarily disbanded only to ‘emerge mightily after the war. After its hiatus, the members of this group grew rapidly while employing hard-line and contentious recruitment methods, induding coercion, fear, intimidation, and the use of threats. A political party was even formed by Soka Gakkai, the Komeito, that became the third most powerful in Japan. A Great Insight into the Charity of Tzu Chi By Buddhist door International Brenda Leung Twitter You may, or may not, have heard of the Tau Chi organization? Tzu Chi is a low-key Buddhist organization founded in Taiwan in a simple and modest manner by @ Buddhist nun named Cheng Yen with 30 volunteer followers in 1966. Today, the Tzu Chi omanizaionnas grou anadeveopsoinownatres TZU CHI become the world's largest Chinese non-government epasioy93¥ ZT organization with operations in over 40 countries and 10 milion volunteers! That is a remarkable achievement in expansion over 45 years of service dedicated to helping others around the world. Tzu Chi has built seven hospitals, 100 schools, a university; and it currently runs the largest bone marrow bank in Asia. It was one of the first NGOs to aid the victims of the Katrina Hurricane damage in the US (2005), and quickly mobilized teams and supplies after the tsunamis in Asia (2004/2071) and the Sichuan earthquake in China (2008). All these great works have sprung from Master Cheng Yen's pioneered vision of ‘humanist Buddhism’, a mission to transform traditional monastery Buddhist practices into Bodhisattvas’ acts to benefit people all over the world. Tzu Chi is an exceptional NGO not only because of its size and scope of services all over the world, but also because of its efficient management style and philosophy to evoke the compassion in every human being. According to O'Neill, T2u Chis run like a multi-national company to ensure effective use of money and thus has ‘earned the trust from donors and patrons all over the world with annual donations of $300 million and an endowment of over $780 million. Moreover, the aid materials are delivered person-to-person by Tzu Chi members as Master Cheng Yen believes that this will bring as much blessing to the donors and to the recipients, and more importantly, wall spread the seeds of love to the suffering people. It is therefore no surprise to find the Tzu Chi members in white and blue uniforms helping out in natural disasters or battle zones in various corners of the globe. Master Cheng Yen believes. that we are all capable to take the Bodhisattva vows and practice the Buddhist teachings by working to ease the suffering of others. Tzu Chi demonstrates the Bodhisattva’s ideals in its actions and illuminates universal love for all sentient beings in our daily life. As O'Neill says, “it (Tzu Chi) gives aids to everyone, regardless of race or color, and welcomes people of every belief. It sees the world as one family and everyone who is suffering as worthy of help", and that “this is Buddhism is action, not a religion confined to temples and monasteries.” The Tzu Chi organization is a life-teaching example of Buddhism in action.(A) 2 iBIc] What’s More Instruction: Briefly describe the four popular Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism using the graphic organizer below. Do this in your notebook. The Four Famous Sutras in Mahayana ‘Buddhism 1 What I Have Learned Direction: Answer the flowing questions in your activty notebook. 1. Whatis the importance of the Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism? 2. Why is Siddhartha Gautama considered as an example of a Buddha in a state of nirmanakaya. 3, What is bodhisattva and how is it related to buddha-hood? 4. Why did Thich Quang Duc bum himsoif? 5. How does Mahayana Buddhism spread in Tibet?eo What ICan Do ta Instructions: Answer the questions below and write tin your activity notebook. (Spts each) 4. Look at the pictures above, how do you feel upon looking at the pictures? Explain, 2. As aChistian, do you think that the teachings of Buddhism are also applicable to you to become a better person? Explain and cite an example. S Assessment ‘TEST I: Identify the following statements. Write your answers in your activity notebook. itis known as the Great Vehicle and arose n North india in the 3! Century CE. This sutra refers to the perfected way of seeing thenatue of reality. The key message of this Sutra is the Buddhahood. The teaching of this Sutra is about the rebirth of the believers by repeatedly invoking the name of Amitabha Buddha. fis the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enightened How many bhumis must a bodhisattva pass before entering the so-called “Buddhahood’? 7. bis a sect in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes that salvation is a personal matter and one cannot receive assistance from other entities 8. He belleved that other Buddhist Sects in Japan were corrupting the people ‘towards hell He was the Tibetan King who introduced Buddhism during tis reign. 10. A Chinese leader who is the cause of the permanent exile of Dalai Lama in dia. Aenea oe