World Religions Name: Matt B, Andrew C, Kayla O, Seth

Branches of Buddhism: Comparison Table

Use the graph in Cooper, p. 35, as the BEGINNINGS of a table that contains important info related to the four types of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana,
Zen, and Tibetan (the latter two are subtypes of Mahayana). Ridenour lists an additional type, Tantric Buddhism, but it is somewhat close to Tibetan
Buddhism, and in some places has the same name in Sanskrit (Vajrayana). You can ignore it.
Cooper’s text may be the most helpful, but all three texts are to be utilized.
You will do this in groups. I suggest you either assign each person to find information about all of the categories on Cooper’s graph related to one type of
Buddhism, . . . OR you assign each person to find information in a few categories about all four types of Buddhism.
The info on Cooper’s graph is helpful, but it is confusing if you don’t read the text to understand what he means. (For example: Cooper lists
“bodhisattvas,” but you need to explain on your table who or what they are and what they do.) Therefore, you must read in order to understand and
explain the meaning in your table. There is more info available about some types of Buddhism that for others.
Also, each person in the group should try to find additional information for each category and add even more categories or info in the last row.
Category Theravada Mahayana – “Pure Land” Mahayana - Zen Mahayana - Tibetan
How is Liberation Liberation is achieved Liberation is achieved Liberation is achieved Liberation is achieved
Achieved?
on one’s own, by their by divine powers through meditation when one can transcend
own will ego-centered “animal
life”
View of God Their view of God is Their view of God is We are each God
Atheistic Pantheistic

Where is Sect Thailand, Cambodia Vietnam, Korea, Japan

Dominant?

Greatest Virtue(s) Greatest virtue is Greatest virtue is Greatest virtue is a

wisdom compassion direct experience

Model Persons Arhat (monk) Bodhisattva (Savior) Lama (mentor) Lama (mentor)

Primary Rituals Meditation and Study Petition and prayer are Meditation is the
are greatest rituals greatest rituals greatest ritual
Category Theravada Mahayana – Pure Land Mahayana - Zen Mahayana - Tibetan
Ennlightenment Monks are of the most Laypersons are of the
& different roles
for monks, lay?
importance most importance
(“Profession” in
Cooper’s chart)
Focus Inward focus oriented Outward focus oriented Inward focus oriented ?

View of Buddha They believe he is a They believe he is They believe Buddha’s They believe there are
Saint Savior saying, “You are the many real Buddhas
Buddha.” walking among us
today.
Other Important It is commonly believed <in contrast, anyone Had a great emphasis
Points and Key
Ideas – the Third
that only monks can can achieve on other ceremonial
Eye or the Dalai achieve enlightenment enlightenment monk practices such as Haiku,
Lama, do they and the layperson and layperson both. tea ceremony and
believe in supports them. swordsmanship.
bodhisattvas, etc.
Mahayana was a
reaction against
Daily involves Theravada because it
meditation, performing was believed to be too
chores, following the strict and narrow.
strict rules outlined by
Sangha / Buddhist The “Greater Vehicle”
community.
Developed a theology
of Bodhisattva
(Buddhas in the
making)