Critical Thinking

1.What aspects of Mahayana Buddhism could make it more appealing than Theravada Buddhism?
Answer: Mahayana buddhism promotes the englightenment of all beings, not just the
individual. mahanaya places more emphasis on chanting rather than silence and mindful
meditation which Theravada buddhism is known for.
2.How did Mahayana Buddhism shape Asian history in terms of activism?
Answer: Mahayana Buddhism (or the Mahayanas) can be defined as a major movement
in the history of Buddhism which has its origins in northern India. It is made up of many
schools and reinterpretations of fundamental human beliefs, values and ideals not only
those of the Buddhist teachings.
3.How do you think Mahayana Buddhism’s concept of bodhisattva contributed to it being one of the
most successful missionary religions in the world?
Answer: Mahayana Buddhism's Concept of Bodhisattva contributed to it being one of the
most successful missionary religions in the world because of its selfless characteristic of
helping others to achieve enlightenment.

Assessment
A. Match Column A with Column B. Write the letter of the correct answer on the blanks provided.

Column A Column B

B1. believed that other Japanese sects’ corrupt people towards hell a. Mahasamghika
2. most prominent text in Mahayana Buddhism b. Thich Quang Duc
that includes discourses by Siddhartha Gautama before he died

C3. Buddhist school which was the original source c. Lotus Sutra
of the Mahayana
4. Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk d. Pure Land Buddhism
who voluntarily burned himself
5. pertains to the teaching about e. Nichiren Daishonin
Nature of the Buddha and reality
6. popular Buddha in China f. Bodhicitta
F7. spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened g. Seventeen Point Agreement
G8. document that confirmed China’s authority over Tibet h. Tenzin Gyatso
H9. leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism i. Trikaya
and is believed to be a reincarnation of Avalokisteshvara
10. when believers die, it is their objective to live in Sukhavati j. Amitabha
B. Make a comparison of Mahayana Buddhism from Theravada Buddhism by completing the table
below.

Mahayana Theravada
View on Siddhartha Gautama/
Buddha
Concept of Bodhisattva

Sacred Scriptures

Worship and Observances

Subdivisions/Sects

C. Make a report on the Tzu Chi Foundation.

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED

Organization The concept was clearly and 6
creatively conveyed.
Content The different practices were 8
thoroughly explained, and examples
were provided.
Presentation The idea was clearly presented based 6
on the words used.
TOTAL:
20