Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila

Introduction to
World Religions &
Belief Systems
Buddhism: The Way to
Enlightenment

Quarter 2
Module 4
Most Essential Learning Competency:
Analyze the Uniqueness and Similarities of
Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism.

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 HOW TO USE THIS MODULE
Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb
you while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully
enjoy the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of
this module.
1. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning that is important to develop and keep in mind.
2. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
3. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key card.
4. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
5. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

 Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing the
lessons in the module.
 Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.
 Looking Back to your Lesson - This section will measure what learnings
and skills did you understand from the previous lesson.
 Brief Introduction - This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
 Discussion - This section provides a short discussion of the lesson. This
aims to help you discover and understand new concepts and skills.
 Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
 Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the
lessons.
 Check your understanding - It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
 Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire
module.

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 EXPECTATIONS
This module expects us to determine and identify the similarities and
differences of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
Specifically, this module will help you to:
 Analyze the unique and similar traditions, beliefs, and practices of Theravada
and Mahayana Buddhism.
 Reflect on the impact of uniqueness and similarities of Mahayana and
Theravada Buddhism to modern society.
Shall we start the journey in learning more about Buddhism: The Way to
Enlightenment? I am sure you are ready and excited to answer the
Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

PRETEST
Directions: Analyze the words written in Column A then identify them according to
what specific form of Buddhism it is classify by writing it on the specific column.
COLUMN A Theravada Mahayana
Buddhism Buddhism
1. On Buddha’s  A Saint or Sage
belief  A Savior
2. Key Virtue  Karuna (Compassion)
 Bodhi (Wisdom)
3. Sacred Text  Pali Texts
 Sanskrit
4. Ultimate Goal  Samsara is Nirvana
 Escape Samsara and reach Nirvana
5. Ideal  Arhat (Lonely Saint)
 Boddhisatva
6. Perception about  Man as an Individual
Man  Man is not alone
7. Mindset  Liberal
 Conservative
8. Religious  Teachings of the Elders
Concept  Spirits of the Elders
9. About  Avoids Metaphysics
Metaphysics  Elaborates Metaphysics
10. Transmission  Northern Transmission (Tibet,
Route China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia)
 Southern Transmission (Sri Lanka,
Laos, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia)

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 Great, you finished answering the questions. You may request your
facilitator to check your work. Congratulations and keep on learning!

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Directions: Read the statement carefully then choose the appropriate answer that
complete the idea correctly.

1. Sunyata is Mahayana’s main philosophical principles which means:

A. “Everything is Interrelated” C. “All Things are Empty”
B. “Everybody has an End” D. “Change Happens Anytime”
2. Mahayana evolved from the Mahasanghikas, who believed that the original
nature of the mind is “pure,” which means:
A. Honest and sincere and without malice, neither treachery nor evil
B. No impurities that contaminated its composition
C. Free of any contamination from any other elements
D. Clean and unpolluted by any other extra substance
3. According to Nagarjuna, the father of Mahayana Buddhism, “there is no
reality nor non-reality” but there is one thing accepted which is known as:
A. Relationship C. Reciprocality
B. Relativity D. Reflection
4. He is considered as the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, who believed to be
the reincarnation of Buddha of Compassion.
A. Guru C. Rabbi
B. Yahweh D, Dalai Lama
5. He is considered as a living Bodhisattva, who under went self-imposed exile
with other 100,000 Tibetans that marks the wide-ranging overthrow of the
Tibetan government over China.
A. Dalai Lama the 14th C. Dalai the 14th Lama
B. 14th Dalai Lama D. All
6. Mahayana Buddhist follow the path of Bodhisattva to achieved perfections
which is called as the:
A. Paramitas C. Yogacara
B. Sunyata D. Panama
7. It is mixture form of Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism that started in China
then later spread in Korea and Japan in the mid 2oth century. It attempts to

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 understand the meaning of life directly without being misled by logical
thoughts or languages.
A. Tibetan Buddhism C. Zen Buddhism
B. Hinayana Buddhism D. Pure Buddhism
8. An international humanitarian foundation that stands for the Buddhist
compassion relief established by a Buddhist nun named Master Cheng Yen.
A. Tzu Chi Foundation C. Global Buddhist Foundation
B. Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness D. Tzu Chi Foundation
9. An added evolution of Mahayana Buddhism, which is also called as “the
Vehicle of Thunderbolt.”
A. Titan Buddhism C. Tantric Buddhism
B. Titanic Buddhism D. Titanium Buddhism
10. It is known as a “Mind Only” school during the 4th century, which
emphasizes subjective idealism believing that “consciousness is the ultimate
reality.”
A. Meditation C. Reflection
B. Contemplation D. Yogacara

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism were deeply rooted from the basic
teachings of the historical Buddha.

Aside from the route where Theravada and Mahayana spread, the main
difference between these two Buddhist groups were based on how they view to achieved
Nirvana. The Theravadins claimed that only monks have the ability to achieve Nirvana,
while on the other hand, the Mahayanist believe that even the laities have the abilities
to do what the monks are doing and can achieve Nirvana through their effort in
practicing the teachings of Buddha. https://quizlet.com/445984241/buddhism-essential-
questions-10-27-19-2-flash-cards/

To further understand these two great forms of Buddhism, their uniqueness and
similarities were emphasized in this module as the main focus of the discussion.

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 DISCUSSIONS
T Uniqueness of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
The
As stated, both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism arose from the
fundamental teachings of the great Buddha who achieved Nirvana and was able to
liberate himself in the cycle of Samsara. However, with the time and place where
they flourished differed from each other that set their own unique identities and
qualities, which reflected on their own teaching and practicing their religion. In
addition, many says that the division of these two religions is roughly comparable
with the great schism between the Catholics and the Protestants, which is known
as the Roman Catholic versus the Eastern Orthodox Christianity, wherein the
rising of many denominations of Protestant Christianity just like Mahayana
Buddhism that also have many forms and sects.

The Theravada Buddhism

Among the three major forms of Buddhism, the Theravada or Hinayana
(“Lesser Vehicle”) Buddhism as discussed on the previous module is considered as
the oldest and the most orthodox, which often refer as “The Doctrine of the Elders.”
They viewed the teachings of the great Buddha himself as collected by their elders,
the monks, who believed to be Buddha’s companions. Accordingly, it is one of the
18 schools that existed centuries after Buddha’s death, which spread from Tibet on
the southern route from India to Sri Lanka and then to Southeast Asia using the
original Pali Canon as their sacred texts. Today, is widely practice in Sri Lanka,
Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and the Mekong Delta areas in Vietnam. They
focus on their spirituality, the enlightenment of the individual, self-discipline, the
importance of having pure thoughts which are reflected on their own deed, the
importance of monastic life like what Buddha did, and the strict observance of the
ancient Vinaya code that differentiate the roles for the monks and the lay people
with the belief that “each individual is responsible for his own salvation.” Thus,
because of this, they believe that only monks have the capacity to reach Nirvana, so
they regarded the monks with the highest respect among the society.
The Theravadins has a strong belief that Siddhartha Gautama and the
Buddha or the “Enlightened One” was a man and not just a myth nor a legend. He

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was subject with the same sufferings as all other humans but sought transcendent
state beyond human life by practicing meditation under the Bodhi tree and his
death was viewed as a complete break from any material existence for he already
freed himself from the human world and he no longer exist because he already
reached Nirvana and broke the cycle of Samsara.
Theravadins are considered very loving, kind, understanding, and serene.
They strictly follow their three principal aspects of existence consisting of the 1.
Dukkha (sufferings), Annica (impermanence or has an end), and the 3. Anatta
(the illusion of reality). These guiding principles makes them to easily accept
everything for they believe that nothing is permanent and attachment to things will
only bring them unhappiness and distraction from intrinsic spiritual matters
because nothing lasts forever. So, they are trying to embrace whatever experiences
that have since their state of mind and objects will only causes dukkha therefore
coming to understand their experiences, there must not dwell on one’s place in this
world in order to realize their true worth and value. That is the reason why you can
see the Theravadin monks walking from one place to another and always
wandering or in nomadic way of living.

The Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism referred themselves as the “Great Vehicle.” It involves
a wide range of philosophical schools, metaphysical beliefs, and practical
meditative disciplines and is not considered as a single group but a collection of
Buddhist traditions such as Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and the Tibetan
Buddhism. Unlike the Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism develops as a
definable movement during the 1st century BC and spread in the northern route
from India to China, Tibet, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan. From the rising
of Mahayana literature, which they called Mahayana Sutra, their philosophical
principle that “all things are empty or lacking of “self-nature” or Sunyata.”
According to Gregory Smits of Penn State University as stated in figal-
sensei.org in “Topics in Japan Cultural History,” the incarnation of Mahayana ideal was
the Boddhisattva, the one who has freed himself from all forms of desires and are
ready to reach Nirvana but our of compassion for other people who are suffering, he
delay his entry to Nirvana by continuing his life on earth by helping and serving them.
As for everybody’s knowledge, Mahayana is not “one, unified being.” There are many
denominations of Mahayana Buddhism just like the Zen Buddhism, Pure Land
Buddhism, and the Tibetan Buddhism.

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 The Mahayanist see Buddha as the “totality of everything there is.” They view
his life as a historical persona who lived on earth in a magical transcendental image
that can also be achieved by an ordinary people so they regarded the great Buddha as
their savior and not as merely saint. With this idea, Mahayanist believe that they can
achieve salvation if they have faith and regard their religion as a way of life that can be
embraced by everybody. They placed emphasis on the process of attaining Nirvana by
purifying their consciousness and expand themselves in responding to the needs of the
local people they served.
Mahayana follows numerous mythological and ontological doctrines. They see
true reality as “emptiness,” which can be defined in ten staged by which the
Bodhisattva must pass and complete to reach Buddhahood and see everything that are
connected in the cosmic thread rooted true reality.

SIMILARITIES OF THARAVADA AND MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

As noted, there are many ways in which Theravada and Mahayana differed from
one another despite of both of them follow the teachings of the great Gautama Buddha,
which emphasize seeking liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth also
called as the Samsara.
On the study of Dr. W. Rahula, which stated in quizlet.com., he found out that
both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism have the same teachings and practices in
their respective schools with regards to the following:
1. The Historical Buddha as their teacher
2. Eight – Fold Paths
3. The Four Noble Truth
4. Dependent Origination or the Paticca-Sumuppada
5. The ideas about Sila (Ethical Conduct) which is also considered as the
important teachings of the Buddha
6. The Three Marks of Existence – The
Dukkha (Truth of Sufferings), Anatta
(nothing we can call “mine” or illusion
of reality), and Annica (Everything has
an End)
7. The Five Precepts of Buddhism – (a.)
Refrain from taking life, (b.) Refrain from
what is not given, (c.) Refrain from Wrong
Speech, (d.) Refrain from Intoxicants that
clous the mind, and (e.) Refrain from the

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/
7 zf8g4qt/revision/9
 misuse of the senses or sexual misconduct.
8. Emphasis on Meditation and its practice
9. Classification of Buddha Teachings
10. Emphasis on the training of the mind and heart

Precept An example
Not killing any living being. For Buddhists, this
1. Refrain from taking life includes animals, so many Buddhists choose to be
vegetarian.
2. Refrain from taking
Not stealing from anyone.
what is not given
Not having too much sensual pleasure. For example,
3. Refrain from the
not looking at people in a lustful way or committing
misuse of the senses
adultery.
4. Refrain from wrong
Not lying or gossiping about other people.
speech
5. Refrain from
Not drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as these do not
intoxicants that cloud the
help you to think clearly.
mind

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zf8g4qt/revision/9

ACTIVITIES
Activity 1. Graphic Organizer

Objective: To identify and explain the similarities and uniqueness of Theravada

and Mahayana Buddhism.
Direction: By using a graphic organizer, make your comparison of Theravada and
Mahayana Buddhism based on the core values and teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. In your own understanding at present times, what does “enlightenment”

mean to us human?
2. How can you apply the values and teachings of Buddha in your own life?

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 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Critical Thinking Questions:

Direction: Read and analyze the statement below and answer the questions.

“All beings are Buddhas,

As ice by nature is water.
Apart from water there is no ice;
Apart from beings, no Buddhas.”
By: Hakui Ekaku

1. What does the quoted statements mean?

2. Why all human and Buddha was compared to water?
3. Do you believe that every human can be a Buddha in his own way?
Why? Or Why not?

REMEMBER
 Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism arose from the fundamental
teachings of the great Buddha who achieved Nirvana and was able to liberate
himself in the cycle of Samsara.
 Theravada Buddhism spread from Tibet on the southern route from India to
Sri Lanka and then to Southeast Asia using the original Pali Canon as their
sacred texts. Today, is widely practice in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos,
Cambodia, and the Mekong Delta areas in Vietnam.
 Mahayana Buddhism develops as a definable movement during the 1st century
BC and spread in the northern route from India to China, Tibet, Mongolia,
Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan.

9
  The Theravadins claimed that only monks have the ability to achieve Nirvana,
while on the other hand, the Mahayanist believe that even the laities have the
abilities to do what the monks are doing and can achieve Nirvana through their
effort in practicing the teachings of Buddha.
 Mahayana Buddhism involves a wide range of philosophical schools,
metaphysical beliefs, and practical meditative disciplines and is not
considered as a single group but a collection of Buddhist traditions such as
Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and the Tibetan Buddhism.

POST TEST
Directions: Matching type. Match specific deity in Column A from their description
in Column B. Write only the letter of your choice on the space provided before the
number.

Answers Column A Column B

1. It is an Ethical Conduct) which is also A. Five Precepts
considered as the important teachings of the
Buddha
2. It is likewise teaching us the commandments of B. Sila
avoiding evil.
3. Mahayana Buddhism can be compared with this C. Four Noble Truth
religion because they both have numerous
denominations after the great schism occurred
4. It chart the methods or practices in attaining the D. Eight-Fold Paths
end of sufferings.
5. It comprises Buddha’s teachings about the fact E. Protestant Christianity
existing in life.

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 REFERENCES
Online Sources

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/maha2.htm
http://factsanddetails.com/asian/cat64/sub416/entry-5587.html#chapter-4
https://quizlet.com/445984241/buddhism-essential-questions-10-27-19-2-flash-
cards/
https://oneminddharma.com/theravada-mahayana-buddhism/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zf8g4qt/revision/9

Books:

Campbell, J. with Moyers, B (1988). The Power of Myth. New York, USA: Doubleday
Dell Publishing Group, Inc. (1st Edition)
Cornejo, Nigel L., et al. (2019). Fundamentals of World Religions. Quezon City:
MaxCor Publishing House, Inc.,

Serapio, Maria Perpetua Arcilla (2016). Introduction to World Religions for Senior
High School. Intramuros, Manila: Mindshapers Co., Inc.

Management and Development Team

Schools Division Superintendent: Maria Magdalena M. Lim, CESO V
Chief Education Supervisor: Aida H. Rondilla
CID Education Program Supervisor: Amalia C. Solis
CID LR Supervisor: Lucky S. Carpio
CID-LRMS Librarian II: Lady Hannah C Gillo
CID-LRMS PDO II: Albert James P. Macaraeg

Editor/s: Paciano B. Ferrer (Content)

Maybeth M. Ferrer (Language)

Writer: Dr. Erlinda Santos- MT I

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 REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET
Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________
School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________

Quarter: Module No.: 11 Week No.: 11

MELC: *Analyze the Uniqueness and Similarities of Theravada and

Mahayana Buddhism.

Objectives: The students can draw their personal insights about the uniqueness
and similarities of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.

Directions: Watch the movie entitled “KUNG FU PANDA” on Netflix or YouTube

then read and analyze each question. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. List down five the dialogues from the movie which teaches the audience
about Buddha’s teachings and explain it in your own understanding
2. Cite a given situation which you like most in the movie and how you would
relate it in the teachings of Buddhism?
3. How can you relate the beliefs, practices, and teachings of Theravada and
Mahayana in the movie?
4. Who among a particular character or what situation in the movie you can
relate your life’s experiences and how you resolve it?

ANSWER KEY
10. D A 5.
9. C D 4. C 5.
8. A B 3. D 4.
7. C A 2. E 3.
6. A C 1. A 2.
B 1.
LESSON
LOOKING BACK TO YOUR POST – TEST

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