Exploring Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism Let us first get a look at what this form of Buddhism is all about: Distinct form of Buddhism especially dominating in North Asia Also referred to as The Great Vehicle Compassion towards fellow creatures is an important step to achieve enlightenment
Common Preaching Mahayana Buddhism Shared by Other Religions Let us have a look at what this form of Buddhism preaches us: A compassionate and a selfless style of living leads to enlightenment Knowledge and self-awareness can lead one to liberation Preaches detachment from worldly attachments (Takasaki, 2014) Believes in rebirth
What Distinguishes Mahayana Buddhism from other Religions? Do you know unlike other religions, that there is no one or uniform tenet here, and Mahayana Buddhism consists of many religious views adopted over time? The religion believes that anyone has a potential to become a Buddha provided he attains liberation Nirvana, or complete liberation can help one achieve Buddha God is not recognized by the religion unlike other religions
The Myoshinji temple: Mahayana Buddhism Site The Myoshinji temple is located in Japan It has 57 sub-temples as well as chapels An important place of worship for the people of local community The beautiful garden and the temple bells are very popular among the tourists The tourists can come and practice meditation in the stone graden
Baoguo Temple:Mahayana Buddhism Site Baoguo Temple is located in China Also referred to as the Lingshan Temple Thousand year old famous temple of Mahayana Buddhism Organizes various exhibitions that include Guanyin statues and Ningbo furniture.
Mahayana Buddhism Responding to Challenges in present day Science and Mahayana Buddhism claim the same thing- the existence of energy that has created the University and human life. So it does not pose any challenge. However, the religion has been losing its importance in countries like India owing to the rise of other religions such as Jainism and Hinduism (Sin, 2017) Teaches ecological self, that is each living creature exists in relation to other living or non-living being, and hence the environment should be taken care of.
Mahayana Buddhism: Role of Women Despite its popularity, do you know that the religion had been accused of holding a highly biased attitude towards women? Sexist attitude towards women Considered the women to be sensual being capable of creating a sense of attachment in the males Nuns were segregated and discriminated against the Monks A woman s body is foul as it goes through menstruation (Lagenberg, 2014)
Mahayana Buddhism: Role of Women The question arises has the role of women changed at all? The answer is yes. Lieu Tiemo, a Mahayana preacher was a Nun teaching the Nuns and the Monks Presently, Nuns in the West are claiming their rights and participating more actively in the religious activities (Molloy, 2013) Tara and Kuan Yein, the female deities are also worshipped among the followers
Mahayana Buddhism: Basic Ethics The mind must possess wisdom It should not only possess wisdom, but it should communicate it to others to help them get enlightened Looking beyond one s benefit and helping others is recommended Buddha is transcendent and his Grace can be achieved by having faith and repeating his name
Mahayana Buddhism: Contemporary Ethics The ulterior aim of a man should become a Buddha Withdrawal from worldly attachments can pave the way to liberation Believes in the existence of an eternal, imperishable self that is related to the self of the world
Reference List Langenberg, A. (2014). A review of Power, Wealth and Women in Indian Mahayana Buddhism: The Gandavyuhasutra. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 21, 103-108. Takasaki, J. (2014). A study on the Ratnagotravibhaga (Uttaratantra): being a treatise on the Tathagatagarbha theory of Mahayana Buddhism (p. 505). Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.. Sin, T. (2017). The Doctrine of Buddha-Nature in Mahayana Buddhism. Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (JIABU), 9(1), 47-56. Molloy, M. (2013). Experiencing the world's religions: Tradition, challenge, and change. McGraw-Hill.