Mahayana
Mahayana
Section titled “Mahayana”2020-04-27 11:52:58
It is recorded that in the fourth council in King Kanishka’s reign, there was a split in Buddhism to Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.
The various school under Buddhism are :
Hinayana Buddhism
Section titled “Hinayana Buddhism”- It means the lesser vehicle. Both the Hinayana and Mahayana terms were coined by the Mahayanists.
- It is more of an orthodox school did not believe in idol or image worship of Buddha
- try to attain individual salvation through self discipline and meditation.
- One of the sub-sects of Hinayana is ==Sthaviravada or Theravada==
- Hinayana scholars used Pali language
- Ashoka patronised the sect
Mahayana Buddhism
Section titled “Mahayana Buddhism”- It means the greater vehicle.
- believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature.
- followers believe in idol or image worship of Buddha.
- concept of Bodhisattva is the result of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Prominent Mahayana texts include Lotus Sutra, Mahavamsa.
- sub-sects of Mahayana developed in the later periods as Vajrayana.
- scholars predominantly used Sanskrit as a language.
- Kanishka of Kushana dynasty is said to be the founder of Mahayana sect.
Origins
Section titled “Origins”- Could be traced to the Mahasanghika school.
In Buddhist tradition as per Heinz Bechert sangha-bheda or schism has a different meaning than that of Chritianity. It dealth with monastic discipline and not doctrinal issues.
- Further it is evident that the emergence of Mahayana did not inf fact immediately lead to a split in the sangha.
- It seems to have originated among a group of monks within the sangha. Faxian and Xuanxang mentions that in 4th and 5th cent both these monks used to live in the same sanctuary.
- This was because Vinaya rules did not prevent monks from following different practices and have diff views in matters of doctrine.
Characterstics and Spread
Section titled “Characterstics and Spread”- Increasing use of Sanskrit in Mahayana texts.
- Idea of Bodhisattva/ wisdom being assumed greater importance under it. Mahayana considered the goal of attainment of nibbana and becoming an arhat a lesser goal. Becoming a bodhisattva was a higher one.
- The stages along the bodhisattva path involved the attainment of various perfections known as paramita. #PrelimsPYQ
- They consisted of generosity/dana, good conduct/shila, patience forbearance/kshanti, mental strength/ virya, meditation/ dhyana, wisdom / prajna , skilfulnees in means/ upaya kaushalya, determination/ pranidhana, power / bala and knowledge / jnana.
- 2 major sects that represented it were in Madhyamaka and Yogachara.
- Madhyamaka was founded by Nagarjuna in 2nd cent and