Buddhist Denominations Explained | Theravada vs Mahayana
UsefulCharts・2 minutes read
Matt Baker explores various denominations in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism, tracing the evolution of Hinduism from the Vedic religion through the Shramana movement to modern-day synthesis. Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizes the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path, with different branches like Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism emphasizing various aspects of practice and beliefs.
Insights
- The Shramana movement in Eastern India challenged the authority of Brahmanism, leading to the Hindu synthesis that shaped modern Hinduism.
- Mahayana Buddhism, originating from laypeople, emphasizes the bodhisatwa path open to all individuals, viewing bodhisattvas as compassionate beings delaying Enlightenment to aid others, contrasting with the arhat path seen as inferior.
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Recent questions
What are the main societal classes in Brahmanism?
Brahmanism had distinct societal classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
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Summary
00:00
"Evolution of Religious Movements in Asia"
- Matt Baker discusses various Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu denominations on his channel.
- The Vedic religion, originating around 1500 BCE in India, borrowed elements from different groups.
- Brahmanism emerged from the Vedic religion, with distinct societal classes like Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
- The rise of the Shramana movement in Eastern India challenged Brahmanism's authority.
- The Shramana movement led to the Hindu synthesis, shaping modern Hinduism.
- Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, promotes the Middle Way.
- The Buddha's teachings focus on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
- The Pali Canon, the oldest set of Buddhist scriptures, consists of the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
- Theravada Buddhism, prevalent in Southeast Asia, emphasizes strict adherence to the original teachings.
- Mahayana Buddhism, originating from laypeople, incorporates additional Mahayana sutras and spread to East Asia.
16:50
"Exploring Buddhas and Paths in Buddhism"
- The Poly Canon mentions 27 Buddhas by name, with the three most recent being Kakanda, Kagana, and Kasaba, and a future Buddha named Mraa.
- The term "bodhisatwa" refers to someone on the path towards becoming a full Buddha, with Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the bodhisatwa path as open to everyone.
- Mahayana Buddhism views the arhat path as inferior, with bodhisattvas seen as compassionate individuals who delay Enlightenment to help others.
- Chan Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tianti are three popular subbranches of East Asian Mahayana Buddhism, each focusing on different aspects such as meditation and rebirth.
- Tibetan Buddhism incorporates esoteric practices like chanting and mandalas, with the Dalai Lama being a prominent figurehead and leader of the largest sect, the Gug or Yellow Hat school.
