Main differences between Buddhist traditions

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering about what the main differences are in the two main Buddhist Traditions, the Mahayana and Theraveda. I understand that the Theraveda use the Pali canon as their authoritative source, and that Mahayana treat newer texts as influential and canonical, but I'm curious as to what the practical implications are between the two forms of adherents. What differs in your meditations, your philosophy, and your day-to-day practice? I'm very interested in Buddhism, but the sheer bulk of information on the topic makes it difficult to find answers to specific questions.

Thanks!

Theravada is old-time Buddhism, focusing on the ending of suffering, and is the path of the Arhat.
Mahayana is the path of the Bodhisattva, focusing on helping all sentient beings awaken their Buddha Nature.

I'm Mahayana, but I use the Pali Canon extensively, along with Mahayana texts I find useful.

What is your main goal in regards to your practice?

I am a minimalist and Hinayana satisfies me completely. To me, Hinayana has never appeared as derogatory. It is what it should be, minimalist.

crossfire said:

Theravada is old-time Buddhism, focusing on the ending of suffering, and is the path of the Arhat.
Mahayana is the path of the Bodhisattva, focusing on helping all sentient beings awaken their Buddha Nature.

I'm Mahayana, but I use the Pali Canon extensively, along with Mahayana texts I find useful.

What is your main goal in regards to your practice?

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I'm just learning right now, really. I wish to be able to tame my emotions (I have a history of anger issues, which I have controlled via management classes), to think more clearheadedly about things in general, and to increase my capacity for compassion. I do a lot of camping/hiking/fishing, so I'd also like to be able to strengthen my connection to the whole of everything, as well. My day to day life is somewhat stressful, and I'd like to be able to calm down, slow down, and just be. Also, I'm interested in the concept of dharma and reincarnation, hence my interest in buddhism in general.

Podo said:

I'm just learning right now, really. I wish to be able to tame my emotions (I have a history of anger issues, which I have controlled via management classes), to think more clearheadedly about things in general, and to increase my capacity for compassion. I do a lot of camping/hiking/fishing, so I'd also like to be able to strengthen my connection to the whole of everything, as well. My day to day life is somewhat stressful, and I'd like to be able to calm down, slow down, and just be. Also, I'm interested in the concept of dharma and reincarnation, hence my interest in buddhism in general.

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If you need help with anger, here's a link to an article I wrote a few years back. I wrote it for Luciferians, so it used their lingo, but it's based on Tibetan Buddhism.
Why has LHR hijacked the word magic?

crossfire said:

If you need help with anger, here's a link to an article I wrote a few years back. I wrote it for Luciferians, so it used their lingo, but it's based on Tibetan Buddhism.
Why has LHR hijacked the word magic?

Click to expand...

That is a very unique and interesting way to look at it, thank you for sharing.

I suggest 'Pranayama'.

Aupmanyav said:

I suggest 'Pranayama'.

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Is this the title of a work of literature?

Aupmanyav said:

I am a minimalist and Hinayana satisfies me completely. To me, Hinayana has never appeared as derogatory. It is what it should be, minimalist.

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Your an exception to the derogatory implications that are brought about by the term Hinayana.

"Greater" and "lesser" vehicle.

I remember all the engaged "conservations" on Buddha Chat (now defunct) Woo Doggie were those the days!!!! !0)

Nowhere Man said:

"Greater" and "lesser" vehicle.

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If I can travel with a Maruti Suzuki (most popular car India and economical), why do I need a Lamborghini?

Podo said:

Is this the title of a work of literature?

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"Prāṇāyāma (Sanskrit: प्राणायाम prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word alternatively translated as "extension of the prāṇa (breath or life force)" or "breath control." The word is composed from two Sanskrit words: prana meaning life force (noted particularly as the breath), and either ayama (to restrain or control the prana, implying a set of breathing techniques where the breath is intentionally altered in order to produce specific results) or the negative form ayāma, meaning to extend or draw out (as in extension of the life force). It is a yogic discipline with origins in ancient India."
Pranayama - Wikipedia

Meditation in Buddhism too. Five minute morning affair.

Aupmanyav said:

If I can travel with a Maruti Suzuki (most popular car India and economical), why do I need a Lamborghini?



"Prāṇāyāma (Sanskrit: प्राणायाम prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word alternatively translated as "extension of the prāṇa (breath or life force)" or "breath control." The word is composed from two Sanskrit words: prana meaning life force (noted particularly as the breath), and either ayama (to restrain or control the prana, implying a set of breathing techniques where the breath is intentionally altered in order to produce specific results) or the negative form ayāma, meaning to extend or draw out (as in extension of the life force). It is a yogic discipline with origins in ancient India."
Pranayama - Wikipedia

Meditation in Buddhism too. Five minute morning affair.

Click to expand...

Thanks very much for your information, it is much appreciated. I will read up on Pranayama, it sounds intriguing to me.

Podo said:

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering about what the main differences are in the two main Buddhist Traditions, the Mahayana and Theraveda. I understand that the Theraveda use the Pali canon as their authoritative source, and that Mahayana treat newer texts as influential and canonical, but I'm curious as to what the practical implications are between the two forms of adherents. What differs in your meditations, your philosophy, and your day-to-day practice? I'm very interested in Buddhism, but the sheer bulk of information on the topic makes it difficult to find answers to specific questions.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

All of the Buddhas teachings are one path. That is very important to understand. If you have taken refuge, the basis for awakening has been set, and any teaching of the Buddha will have awakening as its result.

However, in the meantime we have a couple of differences.

In Theravada the focus is on attaining the state of an Arhat while following the contents of the Pali Canon.

In Mahayana, Bodhicitta is the path itself. This, of course, includes conduct, meditation, the paramitas, and so on. But my Lama has said that with Love, everything is attained and all protection is given. Love.

In Vajrayana, the path begins with the Lama, the Guru. There is no Vajrayana without the Guru.

Buddhism is vast and deep, just like the View. Just understand that all teachings of the Buddha have a single intent, awakening for the benefit of all beings. All traditions and practices within Buddhadharma are branches of that intent to suit the capabilities of beings who decide to practice.