Mahayana and Theravāda Traditions

Course Topics

• The Role of Buddhism in Social Justice Movements

  # The Role of Buddhism in Social Justice Movements ## Introduction Buddhism, with its core teachings of compassion (Karuna) and interconnectedness (Pratītyasamutpāda), has significantly influenced so...

• Mahayana Texts: Sutras and Commentaries

  # Mahayana Texts: Sutras and Commentaries Mahayana Buddhism, one of the major branches of Buddhism, is rich in its textual tradition. The texts are primarily divided into **Sutras** and **Commentarie...

• The Concept of Bodhisattva

  # The Concept of Bodhisattva ## Introduction The term **Bodhisattva** holds a central place in Mahayana Buddhism, representing a being who is on the path to Buddhahood but has made a vow to help all ...

• Key Concepts: Anatta (Non-Self) and Anicca (Impermanence)

  # Key Concepts: Anatta (Non-Self) and Anicca (Impermanence) In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, **Anatta** and **Anicca** are two fundamental concepts that provide insight into the nature of existen...

• Early Schools of Buddhism

  # Early Schools of Buddhism Buddhism, originating from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, has undergone significant evolution over the centuries. The early schools of Buddhism ...

• Basic Buddhist Concepts: Karma and Rebirth

  # Basic Buddhist Concepts: Karma and Rebirth In Buddhism, Karma and Rebirth are fundamental concepts that explain the cycle of existence and the moral law of cause and effect. Understanding these ide...

• Buddhism and Environmental Ethics

  # Buddhism and Environmental Ethics ## Introduction Buddhism, as both a philosophy and a way of life, emphasizes interconnectedness, compassion, and mindfulness. These core tenets can be applied to c...

• Buddhism's Spread Across Asia

  # Buddhism's Spread Across Asia Buddhism, founded in the 5th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, has evolved and adapted as it traveled across Asia. This process of dissemina...

• Comparative Ethics: Theravāda vs. Mahayana

  # Comparative Ethics: Theravāda vs. Mahayana ## Introduction In the study of Buddhist ethics, the two primary branches of Buddhism—Theravāda and Mahayana—present distinctive ethical frameworks and ph...

• Key Historical Figures in Buddhism

  # Key Historical Figures in Buddhism Buddhism, founded in the 5th to 4th century BCE in India, has evolved over centuries and across cultures, leading to the emergence of various schools and traditio...

• Emptiness (Śūnyatā) and Interdependence

  # Emptiness (Śūnyatā) and Interdependence ## Introduction In Mahayana Buddhism, the concepts of Emptiness (Śūnyatā) and Interdependence (Pratītyasamutpāda) are fundamental to understanding the nature...

• Challenges of Modernization in Buddhist Practices

  # Challenges of Modernization in Buddhist Practices ## Introduction The process of modernization presents a complex landscape for various religious traditions, including Buddhism. As societies evolv...

• Theravāda Ethics and Morality

  # Theravāda Ethics and Morality ## Introduction to Theravāda Ethics Theravāda Buddhism, one of the oldest forms of Buddhism, places a strong emphasis on ethical conduct as a pathway towards enlighten...

• Compassion in Mahayana Buddhism

  # Compassion in Mahayana Buddhism Compassion, or *Karuna*, is a central tenet of Mahayana Buddhism, representing a profound commitment to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings. Unlike in som...

• Mahayana Meditation Techniques

  # Mahayana Meditation Techniques Mahayana Buddhism, one of the two main branches of Buddhism, offers a rich array of meditation techniques aimed at cultivating compassion, wisdom, and the realization...

• The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism

  # The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism represents one of the two major schools of Buddhism, the other being Theravāda. Its development marks a significant evolution in Buddhist thought and...

• Key Differences in Scriptures and Texts

  # Key Differences in Scriptures and Texts In the study of Mahayana and Theravāda Buddhism, understanding the key differences in their respective scriptures and texts is crucial for a comparative anal...

• The Eightfold Path

  # Understanding the Eightfold Path The Eightfold Path is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, providing a practical guide to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from ...

• Meditation Practices in Theravāda

  # Meditation Practices in Theravāda Theravāda Buddhism, one of the oldest branches of Buddhism, emphasizes meditation as a vital practice for achieving insight and enlightenment. This section explore...

• Modern Adaptations of Both Traditions

  # Modern Adaptations of Mahayana and Theravāda The Mahayana and Theravāda traditions of Buddhism have evolved significantly over time, adapting to the cultural, social, and political contexts of the ...

• And 15 more topics...