The development of Mahayana Buddhism

• What significant changes did the development of Mahayana Buddhism bring to Buddhist practice?


  It changed the style, tone, content, and mode of enactment of Buddhist practice.
• Where did Mahayana Buddhism emerge?


  It emerged in the Indian Buddhist community in the beginning of the common era.
• What does the term Mahayana mean?


  Mahayana means "great vehicle," as opposed to hinayana, meaning "lesser vehicle."
• How does Theravada Buddhism view laypeople in terms of enlightenment?


  In Theravada, laypeople are considered less likely to attain any growth, let alone enlightenment.
• How does Mahayana Buddhism differ in its approach to laypeople compared to Theravada?

  Mahayana involves the laity much more and claims laypeople can grow through following the Bodhisattva path.
• What practical realities might have influenced the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism?


  Mahayana may have emerged to be relevant to laypeople, especially in China where it was first properly established.
• What is an Arhat in the context of Buddhism?


  An Arhat is someone who has attained enlightenment and escaped samsara through their own efforts.
• What concept does Mahayana Buddhism teach regarding Buddha nature?

  Mahayana teaches the concept that everyone, perhaps all things, have a Buddha nature.
• What are the possible reasons and context for the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism?


  • Origin traced to the second turning of the wheel of dharma during the Buddha's time.
  • Claimed to be teachings delivered to a special assembly of bodhisattvas.
  • Concealed for centuries until the world was ready to hear it.
  • Spread across India.
• Who claims that the Bodhisattva ideal emerged out of a need for laypeople's representation?

  Gary Gach claims this.
• What do some scholars believe about the origins of Mahayana texts?


  Some scholars think practitioners fasted and meditated to receive revelations from great Buddhas of the past.
• Why is it harder to claim that elaborate literary sutras came from visionary experiences?

  Because they don’t have the quality of visionary experience.
• What do most scholars believe about the origins of Mahayana texts?


  Most scholars believe the texts had a strong monastic basis from the start.
• What do Theravada practitioners claim about their Pali canon?


  They claim it is the 'original' scripture and that Mahayana is not the true words of the Buddha.
• What do some claim about the timing of Mahayana sutras in relation to the Pali Canon?


  Some claim that some Mahayana sutras were written within a hundred years of the Pali Canon.
• What does Noa Ronkin argue about the Buddha and the Abhidhammists?


  Noa Ronkin argues that the Buddha and the Abhidhammists were syncretic, as were the Mahayana texts.
• What is the bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism?


  • Bodhisattva means 'buddha-to-be.'
  • One who has 'blown out' desires but vows to stay in this realm out of compassion.
  • Aspires to become a Buddha for the sake of all beings.
  • All can be understood to be on the path to Buddhahood.
• What virtues do Bodhisattvas cultivate?

  Bodhisattvas cultivate wisdom and compassion.
• How is the eightfold path characterized in Mahayana Buddhism?


  • Important teaching in Mahayana.
  • Characterized by the development of compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajna).
  • Forms the basis of the bodhisattva path.
• What are the six paramitas in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Generosity
  • Ethical conduct
  • Patient endurance
  • Effort and enthusiastic perseverance/courage
  • Concentration
  • Wisdom
• What does the term paramitas mean?

  Paramitas means to cross over to the other shore, often translated as perfection.
• What is the initial stage of the Bodhisattva path?


  • Begins with the arising of 'bodhicitta.'
  • Aspiration to strive for Buddhahood for its own sake and for helping others.
  • Bodhisattva practices perfections at an ordinary level before becoming a Holy person.
• What is the perfection of generosity (dana)?


  It involves giving away wealth and all that is precious for the benefit of others.
• What is the perfection of moral virtue (sila)?


  It involves attaining spontaneous purity in conduct and practicing the ten good paths of action.
• What is the perfection of patience (kanti)?


  It is aided by meditation on loving kindness, compassion, and forbearance in adversity.
• What is the perfection of vigour/energy?

  It involves mindful awareness and links to ethics through understanding the cause and result of actions.
• What is the perfection of meditation (jhana)?


  It involves accepting the four holy truths and moving between conventional and ultimate truth.
• What is the perfection of wisdom?


  It is full insight into conditioned arising, non-self, and emptiness.
• How do the last two perfections link to ethics in Mahayana Buddhism?


  • They provide a deep philosophical understanding of the nature and purpose of actions.
  • They help practitioners understand their actions in the wider perspective of nirvana.
• How do the individualistic and collectivist focuses of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism compare?

  • Each focus has its own usefulness depending on circumstances.
  • They can be seen as potentially equal paths.
• What are celestial Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Exist in realms other than ours with greater powers.
  • Can intervene and save people in our realm.
  • Advanced practitioners of the Bodhisattva path.
• How do Mahayana Buddhists view celestial Bodhisattvas in relation to Hindu Gods?


  Mahayana Buddhists claim celestial Bodhisattvas have surpassed Hindu Gods in power and understanding.
• Who is Avalokitesvara?


  Avalokitesvara is a celestial Bodhisattva who manifests compassion to people in this world.
• What is the significance of the Dalai Lama in relation to Avalokitesvara?


  The Dalai Lama is supposed to be a form of Avalokitesvara.
• Who is Manjusri in Mahayana Buddhism?


  Manjusri is the manifestation of education, carrying a sword and a book embodying the perfection of wisdom.
• Who is Maitreya in Mahayana Buddhism?

  Maitreya is a celestial Bodhisattva capable of stepping into this world and saving someone from trouble.
• What is Upaya in Mahayana Buddhism?


  • Creatively using worldly categories to guide someone along the path to salvation.
  • Demonstrated in the Lotus Sutra through parables.
  • Skill to give teachings appropriate to the student and situation.
• How does the Buddha in the Pali canon demonstrate Upaya?

  The Buddha sometimes teaches different things to different people or in different situations.
• What is the significance of the parable of the burning house in Mahayana Buddhism?


  • Illustrates how Mahayana distinguishes itself from Theravada.
  • Represents the traditional view of the world on fire and Buddhism as the solution.
  • Shows the skilful means of luring beings towards enlightenment.
• What does the father in the burning house parable represent?

  The father represents the Buddha, who skilfully lures beings towards enlightenment.