Reference no: EM133724437
Assignment:
Buddhism encompasses various beliefs and practices, leading to different schools. The three primary schools of Buddhism are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Despite their differences, these schools share common beliefs in the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the importance of meditation. Mahayana Buddhists, for example, worship many deities, while Theravadin Buddhists are atheists for all practical purposes. Theravadins and practitioners of Zen say we must rely on self-effort to get us to our spiritual goals. In contrast, Tibetan Buddhists and Mahayanists believe we can ask for grace from a Buddha or bodhisattva. Theravadins and Zennists tell us our final destination should be a nirvana in which there are no ideas, beings or consciousness (McDermott,2000).
All three schools believe in the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, such as the impermanence of life and the concept of karma. They also place importance on practicing meditation as a means to achieve enlightenment. They all recognize the importance of ethical conduct, compassion, and mindfulness in everyday life.
However, the schools differ in their interpretation of these teachings and practices. Theravada Buddhism focuses on the original teachings of the Buddha and emphasizes individual effort and self-reliance in achieving enlightenment. On the other hand, Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes compassion for all beings and the idea of the bodhisattva, who delays their enlightenment to help others. Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates esoteric rituals and practices, such as using mantras and mandalas, to pursue enlightenment.
In summary, exploring Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism has revealed their shared beliefs and distinct differences. While all three schools believe in the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, they each have unique approaches to achieving enlightenment. This diversity is a testament to the richness and complexity of Buddhism as a religion. Theravada Buddhism is a functional atheism, meaning it asserts neither the existence nor nonexistence of a god or gods; instead, it asserts that speculation concerning the existence or nonexistence of a god or gods has no value in breaking the chain of causation that produces the samsara ( Buddhism,2009).