Buddhist Sects

Development of Religious Sects: Reasons for the development of sects: Disputes over translation and interpretation of scripture Impact of local / indigenous cultures, lead to the development of different practices and rituals There are 2 main sects in Buddhism – referred to as “rafts”

The Big and Little Rafts: The word yana means raft. Idea that Buddha’s teachings provide a vehicle for crossing the sea of life to the tranquil shores of Nirvana. There is the “Little” raft & the “Bigger” raft

Hinayana Buddhism: The Little Raft The “lesser” way (raft), or Theravada (the “Way of the Elder”) Claims to represent the original and true teachings of Buddha. The individual must save himself. The ideal is the arhat (holyman) who renounces the world to seek Nirvana through intense meditation. Adheres strictly to monastic practices. Very little flexibility. Buddha is not worshipped as a God, but revered as a great teacher.

Mahayana Buddhism: The Bigger Raft The “Greater Vehicle” Greater flexibility of interpretation  greater # of followers. Ideal is bodhisattva (the essence of Buddha) Buddha turned his back on salvation to help others,  Mahayanaists follow this example & remain in the world to serve others. Materialistic view of Nirvana Reject idea that man’s salvation is entirely his own responsibility  Buddha’s claim that there is no individual self means each person’s fate is bound up with that of everyone else. Buddha worshipped as a god. Salvation possible for all. Flexibility  susceptible to local customs and cultures.

Shin Buddhism: Mahayana Buddhism arrived in China in the 6th century and spread slowly due to the strength of Taoism and Confucianism. Declared on the ‘Three Great Truths’ (along with Taoism & Confucianism), and was incorporated into Chinese culture. Concept of Amida Buddha  supreme Buddha & compassionate saviour of mankind All bobhisattvas are manifestations of Amida  similar to avatars of Hinduism. Man is incapable of achieving Nirvana without Amida Buddha’s saving grace. Spread to Korea and Japan in the seventh century.

The Vajrayana School Found mostly in Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal Founder – Padmasambhava in 750 CE Buddhist thought was combined with the original religion of Tibet called Bon Tibet became a theocracy – governed by monks Religious leaders called lamas. The highest religious leader is called the Dalai Lama – believed to be the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion – Avalokiteshvara When the Dalai Lama dies his released consciousness immediately enters the body of a newborn male child. Monks use a complex set of procedures to find the new Dalai Lama Emphasis placed on rituals, matras (chants) and visual creations such as thangkas (wall hangings) and mandalas

Zen A special transmission outside the scriptures; No dependence on words and letters; Direct pointing to the mind of man; Seeing into one's nature and attaining Buddhahood.

Zen Buddhism All beings by nature are Buddhas, as ice by nature is water. Apart from water there is no ice; apart from beings, no Buddhas. Hakuin Ekaku Buddhism was introduced into Japan from China in the mid 6th century Zen is from the Chinese word Ch’an, which comes from the Sanskrit word Dhyana, meaning meditation Zen therefore emphasizes meditation We cannot learn truth through reason, philosophy or thought as we cannot – we must free our mind from this trap Enlightenment must be experienced directly by experiencing your Buddha nature

The Rinzai School Koans: What was the original face, the one before my father and mother were born? The bridge flows, the water is motionless. Why? "If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are..." Focus is on attaining enlightenment through insight into your true nature The use of koans – non-rational riddles – designed to break down your reliance on logic to understand your true nature Satori - When the student “gets” the answer in a sudden flash of inspiration

Soto School Enlightenment achieved through strict meditation Meditation is done “lotus” style – enlightenment can only come slowly through strict discipline Favoured by the peasant class The symbol of the circle is a common zen symbol - Enso The open circle reminds us that imperfection is found in all things – stop striving for perfection and allow things to be as they are The closed circle represents the totality of experience and life