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Intro-to-World-Religions and Belief Systems-Q2-3

World Religion (Mabini National High School)

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12
12
Introduction to World
Religions and Belief Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 11:
Comparative Analysis of Mahayana and
Theravada Buddhism

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Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 12

Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 11: Comparative Analysis of Mahayana and Theravada
Buddhism
First Edition, 2020

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12

Introduction to
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 11
Comparative Analysis of
Mahayana and Theravada
Buddhism

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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – 12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Comparative Analysis of
Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher
or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking
into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

ii

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief System-

Grade 12 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Comparative Analysis
of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
What I Know
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link
What’s In the current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be

What’s New introduced to you in various ways; a story, a
song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity
or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the
What is It lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

This comprises activities for independent

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skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.
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what you learned from the lesson.
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into real life situations or concerns.

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This is a task which aims to evaluate your

Assessment level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
In this portion, another activity will be given
Additional Activities to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part
of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
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with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that
you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful

learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You
can do it!

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What I Need to Know

Good day, this is Teacher Tina. How are you?

In Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, the concept of
dharma is an integral tenet. Do you know what dharma is?
Don’t worry if you have no idea what it is. This module is
here to help you understand this concept and many others.
Ready? Then, let’s begin.
https://bit.ly/2CTRcJs

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

K: Identify the similar features of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism;

S: Conduct a comparative analysis of the two major Buddhism sects ; and

A: show appreciation to the differences and similarities of the two religions/belief

systems.

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What I Know

Directions: Write T if the statement is TRUE, and F if it is FALSE. Write your

answers in your activity notebook.

1. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, trace their origin in China.

2. Buddhism is founded by Siddhartha Gautama who is also referred to as the

Buddha or the <Enlightened One.=

3. The two major schools of Buddhism, the Theravada and Mahayana sects,
follow the <Four Noble Truths= and the <Noble Eightfold Path.=

4. Buddhist followers, life and events are controlled by an all-powerful creator or

universal force.

5. A person who has attained a perfected state of insight is called bodhisattvas

or <enlightened beings= in Theravada school of Buddhism.

6. Arhat or a <worthy person= in Mahayana sect, delay their own fulfillment for
them to benevolently aid other beings to reach their ultimate end.

7. The Buddhist goal is to reach nirvana or the extinguishing of fires of longing

and suffering.

8. Theravada Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone, including those with

families and secular careers.

9. A Buddhist’s destiny is the direct result of natural law or dharma and one’s
accumulated deeds or karma.

10. Women in Buddhism have enjoyed considerable freedom in their religious life
compared to their Hindus counterpart.

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What’s In

In the previous module, we have discussed the core teachings, fundamental

beliefs, and related issues of Mahayana Buddhism. You have also learned how it
seems to have an interesting appeal to a vast majority of followers.
In this module, we will explore the connection between the two Buddhist
religions- Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and how essential is the concept of
dharma in these two major sects of Buddhism.

What’s New

Instructions: Look at the pictures of bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) in Buddhism

below. Afterwards, be ready to accomplish the prepared activity for you.

1. Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion

pa_YON / Getty Images

Avalokiteshvara represents the activity of Karuna -- compassion, active

sympathy, gentle affection. The name Avalokiteshvara is usually translated to mean
"The Lord Who Looks Down in Pity" or "The One Who Hears the Cries of the World."

2. Manjusri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

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The name "Manjushri" (also spelled Manjusri) means "He Who Is Noble and
Gentle." This bodhisattva represents insight and awareness. Manjushri sees into the
essence of all phenomena and perceives their nondual nature. He clearly realizes the
boundless nature of self.
3. Kshitigarbha, Savior of Beings in Hell

electravk / Getty Images

Kshitigarbha (Sanskrit, "Womb of the Earth") is known as Ti-ts'sang or Dicang in China

and Jizo in Japan. He is venerated as the savior of beings in hell and as a guide to deceased
children. Kshitigarbha has vowed not to rest until he has emptied hell of all beings. He is also
the protector of living children, expectant mothers, firemen, and travelers.

4. Mahasthamaprapta and the Power of Wisdom

Elton Melo/Flickr / Creative Commons License

Mahasthamaprapta (Sanskrit, "One Who Has Obtained Great Power")

awakens in humans their need to be liberated from Samsara (the beginningless cycle
of repeated birth, mundane existence and dying again).

5. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva - Buddhist Icon of Practice

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. dorje-d/Flickr, Creative Commons License

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Samantabhadra (Sanskrit, "He Who Is All-Pervadingly Good") is called Fugen in Japan

and P'u-Hsien or Puxian in China. He is the protector of those who teaches the Dharma and
represents the meditation and practice of the Buddhas.
Based on the above facts about the major bodhisattvas in Buddhism, complete the
table below in your activity notebook.

Name of Bodhisattva English translation of Significance/ Power/Duty

Name

What is It

Comparative Analysis of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

Both the Buddhist schools originated in India. In Buddhism (Mahayana and
Theravada), dharma is an integral concept. Dharma (Sanskrit) or dhamma (Pali) is a
word Buddhists use often. It may pertain to the cosmic law and order or to Buddha’s
teachings. Apart from the Buddha and the sangha, the dharma is one of the <Three
Jewels= to which Buddhist followers go for refuge. The word often is defined as "the
teachings of the Buddha," but dharma is really more than just a label for Buddhist
doctrines, as we shall see below.

The word dharma comes from the ancient religions of India and is found in
Hindu and Jain teachings, as well as Buddhist. Its original meaning is something like
"natural law." Its root word, dham, means "to uphold" or "to support." In this broad
sense, common to many religious traditions, dharma is that which upholds the natural
order of the universe. This meaning is also part of the Buddhist understanding.

In addition, dharma supports the practice of those who are in harmony with it.
On this level, dharma refers to ethical conduct and righteousness. In some Hindu
traditions, dharma is used to mean "sacred duty." For more on the Hindu perspective
of the word dharma, see " What is Dharma?" by Subhamoy Das.

Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism

Dhamma is the nature of what-is; the truth of what the Buddha taught. In
Theravada Buddhism, as in the quote above, it is sometimes used to indicate all the
factors of existence.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote that "Dhamma, on the external level, refers to the
path of practice the Buddha taught to his followers" This Dhamma has three levels of

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meaning: the words of the Buddha, the practice of his teaching, and the attainment of
enlightenment. So, Dhamma is not just doctrines--it is teaching plus practice plus
enlightenment.

Dharma in Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism generally uses the word dharma to refer to both the
teachings of the Buddha and the realization of enlightenment. More often than not,
use of the word incorporates both meanings at once. Mahayana texts sometimes use
the word dharma to mean something like "manifestation of reality.=
To speak of someone's understanding of dharma is not to comment on how
well that person can recite Buddhist doctrines but on his state of realization. In the Zen
tradition, for example, to present or expound upon the dharma usually refers to
presenting some aspect of the true nature of reality.

The Dharma Body

Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists speak of the "dharma body"
(dhammakaya or dharmakaya). This is also called the "truth body."

Very simply, in Theravada Buddhism, a Buddha (an enlightened being) is

understood to be the living embodiment of dharma. This does not mean that a
Buddha's physical body (rupa-kaya) is the same thing as dharma, however. It's a bit
closer to it to say that the dharma becomes visible or tangible in a Buddha
In Mahayana Buddhism, the dharmakaya is one of the three bodies (tri-kaya)
of a Buddha. The dharmakaya is the unity of all things and beings, unmanifested,
beyond existence and non-existence.
In sum, the word dharma is nearly indefinable. But to the extent that it can be
defined, we can say that dharma is both the essential nature of reality and also the
teachings and practices that enable the realization of that essential nature.

There are more than 370 million Buddhists around the world that represent
about 6% of the entire population. Quite interestingly, while Buddhism began in India,
it almost died out as a living religion in its place of origin. Majority of its followers can
be found in China Japan, Korea, and Indochina Peninsula. The major sects of
Buddhism include Theravada and Mahayana schools of thought.

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Let us now explore the different aspects where these two schools are alike and
different from each other.

CONCEPT MAP

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM AND

THERAVADA BUDDHISM

View on
Origin Morality Purpose Destiny Women

ORIGIN

Buddhism traces its origins in northern India around the sixth century B.C.E. as
another interpretation of the Hindu belief. This religion is closely linked to its founder
Siddhartha Gautama who is also referred to as the Buddha or the <Enlightened One.=
A son of a Kshatriya chief, the once affluent Siddhartha abandoned the comfort of his
palace and family as he set to discover the remedy to universal suffering he observed
in this world. After long periods of abstinence and meditation, he finally reached
enlightenment (nirvana) and became known as the <Buddha= or the <enlightened one.=
He preached mainly in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent such as in Magadha
and Kosala. About 500 years after Buddha’s enlightenment, a schism within the
Buddhist religion resulted in the emergence of two major branches around the first
century C.E, namely, the Theravada and Mahayana schools of tradition. Both schools
owe their fundamental teachings to the Buddha whose life has become an inspiration
to millions of followers all over the world.
Around the third century B.C.E., Buddhism reached neighboring Asian
countries as a result of the missionary zeal of Indian rulers. A different outlook to
salvation attracted many Asian people to embrace the tenets of Buddhism as it
reached China, India, Korea, and Indochina Peninsula. However, while Buddhism was
successfully converting people in faraway places, Buddhist fervor gradually waned in
native India as a result of resurging Hinduism. The resurgence in Hinduism is due to
how Hinduism absorbed the rising challenge of other new religions as it incorporated
their elements into the Hindu belief.

MORALITY
While Siddhartha Gautama embraced the general framework of Indian ideas,
he radically altered many of them. Similarly, the cycle of rebirth persists in Buddhism
and succeeding lives may be affected by the moral laws of cause and effect or karma.
Until one has achieved enlightenment, one’s deed in the present lifetime will affect the

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course of future rebirths. Buddhist moral thoughts and actions are principally guided
by the <Four Noble Truths= formulated by the Buddha, along with the basic guide called
the <Eightfold Paths= that are divided into three categories, namely, right view, right
conduct, and right practice. Unhappiness of life (dukkha) is principally caused by
people’s unending desires. People are advised to scrutinize their motivations and
ponder upon the outcome of their actions keeping in mind Buddha’s teachings.
Anything harmful to others, in deed and in thought, must always be avoided. The two
major schools of Buddhism, the Theravada and Mahayana sects, follow the <Four
Noble Truths= and the <Noble Eightfold Path.=

PURPOSE
In Buddhism, the principal purpose of one’s life is to terminate all forms of
suffering caused by attachment to impermanent entities, such as material things,
friends, and health. All these do not offer enduring happiness but sorrow. When one
recognizes the impermanence of all these things, an individual begins to free one’s
self from attachment thereby reducing suffering and ending the cycle of rebirth.
Buddha’s teachings on the <Four Noble Truths= and the <Noble Eightfold Path= form
the basic tenets of all Buddhist sects.
In Theravada Buddhism, the monastic way of life ensures the path toward
enlightenment. For the Buddhist laity, they must first be reborn as monks for them to
be eligible for enlightenment. As members of the laity perform good deeds, positive
karma may bring forth a pleasant condition in the next life.
In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone, not only for
the members of the monastic order, but also for those with families and secular
careers. Moreover, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism attracts followers because it
offers a faster route to enlightenment than the Theravada sect.

DESTINY

Meanwhile, Buddhism holds that no soul is being reborn because there is no

permanence in anything (Bowker 1997). The Buddha preached to his followers to
achieve their own salvation conscientiously because external forces have no control
over their life and circumstances. They control their own fate as they are bound to the
law of causality. Buddhist destiny, therefore, is the direct result of natural law or
dharma and one’s accumulated deeds or karma. Here lies the glaring difference of
Buddhism as a dharmic religion when compared to other world religions that teach the
concept of fate or predestiny. For Buddhist followers, life and events are not controlled
by an all-powerful creator or universal force.
In contrast to Hinduism and other religions, the Buddhist goal is neither
absorption into Brahman nor union with God. Instead, Buddhists aspire to reach
nirvana or the extinguishing of fires of longing and suffering (Bowker 1997). When one
has achieved nirvana, one has attained the state of perfect peace wherein attachment,
aversion, and ignorance have ceased once and for all.
In the Theravada school of Buddhism, the trainings on the development of
ethical conduct, meditation, and insight assist in eradicating all forms of evil in order
to acquire goodness and purify the mind. All worldly things are momentary and
impermanent. By following the <Middle Path= and practicing the basic doctrines of
Buddhism, there is a realization that desire can be terminated and suffering reduced.
In the end, a perfected state of insight can be accomplished. A person who has

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attained this position is called an arhat or a <worthy person= who must be emulated by
Theravada Buddhists. Adherents can reach an enlightened status through their own
ways without any assistance from any divine beings, such as gods or goddesses. With
the help of Buddha’s teachings, the journey toward nirvana becomes possible.
Meanwhile, the Mahayana sect devotes much attention to the bodhisattvas or
<enlightened beings= who delay their own enlightenment for them to benevolently aid
other beings to reach their ultimate end. All beings can follow the path of the
bodhisattvas which is the ideal way for all Buddhists to live. Well-known in the
Mahayana sect are Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Ksitigarbha, and Samantabhadra. The
Theravada sect only accepts Maitreya as bodhisattva.

VIEWS ON WOMEN

Women have enjoyed considerable freedom in their religious life in Buddhism

as compared to Hinduism. The Buddha himself allowed the full participation of women
in all major Buddhist rites and practices. For so long, a time when women’s duties
were confined to household and kitchen duties, Buddha radically changed this when
he allowed women to join the monastic order and attain enlightenment in equal footing
with men. In the past, learned women members of sangha include Dhammadinna,
Khema, and Uppalavanna. Fully-ordained Buddhist female monastic members are
bhikkunis.
For the Buddha, men are not always wise and women can also be wise. In
Buddhism, women should not be treated as inferior to men because both are equally
valuable in society. Women as wives and mothers have roles to fulfill in the family and
society. Husbands and wives must equally share responsibilities in the family with the
same zeal. Wives must also familiarize themselves in trade and business dealings so
that they can also handle these affairs. Men and women have equal status in Buddhist
societies.

What’s More

Instruction: Copy the table below in your notebook. Afterwards, compare and contrast
Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism on the different aspects given.

Theravada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism

Origin
Morality

Purpose

Destiny

Views on Women

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What I Have Learned

Copy and answer the following statement in your activity notebook.

What I Can Do

Draw the Venn Diagram below in your notebook, then, compare and contrast
the concept of dharma in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism Theravada Buddhism

Concept of Dharma

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Assessment

Directions: Write T if the statement is TRUE, and F if it is FALSE. Write your answers
in your activity notebook.

1. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, trace their origin in China.

2. Buddhism is founded by Siddhartha Gautama who is also referred to as the

Buddha or the <Enlightened One.=

3. The two major schools of Buddhism, the Theravada and Mahayana sects,
follow the <Four Noble Truths= and the <Noble Eightfold Path.=

4. Buddhist followers, life and events are controlled by an all-powerful creator or

universal force.

5. A person who has attained a perfected state of insight in called bodhisattvas

or <enlightened beings= in Theravada school of Buddhism.

6. Arhat or a <worthy person= in Mahayana sect, delay their own fulfillment for
them to benevolently aid other beings to reach their ultimate end.

7. The Buddhist goal is to reach nirvana or the extinguishing of fires of longing

and suffering.

8. Theravada Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone, including those with

families and secular careers.

9. A Buddhist’s destiny is the direct result of natural law or dharma and one’s
accumulated deeds or karma.

10. Women in Buddhism have enjoyed considerable freedom in their religious life
compared to their Hindus counterpart.

11

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Additional Activities

Words of Wisdom
A Proverb is a short saying containing some piece of truth or advice. Here are
some common English Proverbs that you may know:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Good things come to those who wait.
A man is known by the company he keeps.
Can you explain their meaning?

The following excerpts can be looked at like proverbs from the Buddhist religion.
They contain commonly known truths in this culture and are words of advice from
Buddha.
<An evil person who harms a virtuous person is like one who raises his head
and spits at heaven. Instead of reaching heaven, the spittle falls back on him. It is
the same with someone who throws dust against the wind.=
<Practice giving. Consider the flame of a single torch. Though hundreds and
thousands of people come to light their own torches from it so that they can cook their
food and ward off darkness, the first torch remains the same.=
<Patience under insult is the greatest strength, because people who are
patient do not harbor hatred.=

Based on what you’ve learned about the two major Buddhist sects, write
your own proverb. Your proverb will be graded according to the rubric found
below.
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS
OBTAINED
Organization The proverb was clearly and creatively 5
conveyed.
Content The composed proverb contained some 5
piece of truth or advice.
TOTAL: 10
Adapted from: https://college.holycross.edu/projects/himalayan_cultures/2011_plans/lemeans/pdf/WordsofWisdom.pdf

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13
WHAT I KNOW & ASSESS
1. F 3. T 5. F 7. T 9. T
2. T 4. F 6. F 8. F 10. T
WHAT’S NEW
Name of Bodhisattva English translation of Name Significance/ Power/Duty
1. Avalokiteshvara "The Lord Who Looks Down in Pity" or Bodhisattva of Compassion
"The One Who Hears the Cries of the
World."
2. Manjusri <He Who Is Noble and Gentle." Bodhisattva of Wisdom
3. Kshitigarbha <Womb of the Earth") savior of beings in hell/ guide to deceased
children/ protector of living children, expectant
mothers, firemen, and travelers
4. Mahasthamaprapta <One Who Has Obtained Great Power= awakens in humans their need to be liberated
from Samsara
5. Samantabhadra <He Who Is All-Pervadingly Good= protector of those who teaches the Dharma/
represents the practice of the Buddhas
WHAT’S MORE
Theravada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism
Origin Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism originated in
China. Both schools are founded by Siddhartha
Gautama in Northern India.
Both schools owe their fundamental
teachings to the Buddha whose life has become an
inspiration to millions of followers all over the world.
Morality The two major schools of Buddhism, the Theravada
and Mahayana sects, follow the <Four Noble Truths=
and the <Noble Eightfold Path.=
Purpose In Theravada Buddhism, the monastic way of life Mahayana Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone,
ensures the path toward enlightenment. For the not only for the members of the monastic order, but
Buddhist laity, they must first be reborn as monks for also for those with families and secular careers.
them to be eligible for enlightenment. Moreover, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism attracts
followers because it offers a faster route to
enlightenment
than the Theravada sect.
Destiny A person who has attained the perfected state of Meanwhile, the Mahayana sect devotes much attention
insight is called an arhat or a <worthy person= who to the bodhisattvas or <enlightened beings= who delay
must be emulated by Theravada Buddhists. their own enlightenment for them to benevolently aid
Adherents can reach an enlightened status through other beings to reach their ultimate end. All beings can
their own ways without any assistance from any follow the path of the bodhisattvas which is the ideal
divine beings, such as gods or goddesses. way for all Buddhists to live
Views on Women have enjoyed considerable freedom in their For the Buddha, men are not always wise and women
Women religious life in Buddhism can also be wise. In Buddhism, women should not be
treated as inferior to men because both are equally
valuable in society. Women as wives and mothers have
roles to fulfill in the family and society.
Answer Key
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WHAT I CAN DO

Variety of answers from learners may be expected

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

References
BOOK
Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. and Jerome Ong. Introduction to World Religions and
Belief Systems Textbook. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., Haus of Serah Printing
and Trading Corp, 2016.

INTERNET SOURCES/PICTURES

O’brien, Barbara.= What Does Buddha Dharma Mean?=Learnreligions.com.

https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-buddha-dharma-449710. (accessed
September 3, 2020).

O’brien, Barbara.= Who Were the Major Bodhisattva?= Learnreligions.com.

https://www.learnreligions.com/five-major-bodhisattvas-449988. (accessed
August 14, 2020).

TEACHERS GUIDE
Most Essential Learning Competencies

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