SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to
World Religion and
Belief Systems
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Mahayana Buddhism
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems - Senior High School
Alternative Delivery Mode
Fourth Quarter- Module 4: Mahayana Buddhism

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 Senior High School

Introduction to
World Religion and
Belief Systems
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Mahayana Buddhism

ii
 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

Good day dear learner!

This module is solely prepared for you to access and to acquire lessons befitted in your
grade level. The exercises, drills and assessments are carefully made to suit your level of
understanding. Indeed, this learning resource is for you to fully comprehend the brief history,
core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of Mahayana
Buddhism. Independently, you are going to go through this module following its proper
sequence. Although you are going to do it alone, this is a guided lesson and
instructions/directions on how to do every activity is plotted for your convenience.

Using this learning resource, you are ought to “Analyze the brief history, core
teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of Mahayana Buddhism”
as inculcated in the K-12 Most Essential Learning Competencies.

At the end of this module, you are expected to achieve the following objectives:
1. identify the sacred texts of Mahayana Buddhism;
2. explain the core teachings, beliefs, practices, and issues related to
Mahayana Buddhism; and
3. recognize the importance of Mahayana Buddhism in terms of how it
achieves to Bodhisattva.

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 WHAT I KNOW

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.
1. The concept of pertains to the teaching of Mahayana Buddhism about
the nature of the Buddha and reality.
a. Bodhisattva c. Paramita
b. Bhumis d. Trikaya
2. The two major Buddhist schools of Mahayana and Theravada both originated in the
foundational teachings of _____________ .
a. Ashoka c. Siddharta Gautama
b. Vishnu d. Dalai Lama
3. is the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened.
a. Bodhicitta c. Buddha
b. Bodhisattva d. Paramita
4. is a canonical text which contains the collection of Buddha’s teachings.
a. Quran c. Tripitaka
b. Sutra d. Vinaya Pitaka
5. For , only the historical Buddha and past Buddhas are accepted.
For , there are other contemporary and popular Buddhas apart
from the historical Buddha.
a. Hinduism, Theravada c. Mahayana, Theravada
b. Mahayana, Hinduism d. Theravada, Mahayana
6. One distinct feature of Mahayana Buddhism, is its teaching about an enlightened being
or ____________ which is the ultimate way for any Buddhist to live in this world.
a. Bodhicitta b. Bodhisattva c. Buddha d. Paramita
7. In Mahayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva must pass before attaining
Buddha-hood, frequently associated with the perfections or .
a. bodhicitta, bhumis c. bhumis, paramita
b. bodhicitta, paramita d. paramita, bhumis
8. Which of the following is NOT a worship practice and observance of Mahayana
Buddhism?
a. do meditational activities Sickness c. recite prayers and chants
b. offer meat and incense d. undertake pilgrimages
9. The emphasizes that salvation is a personal matter and one cannot
receive assistance from other entities, such as another person or institution, to
realize the inner truths of religion.
a. Intuitive Sect c. Rational Sect
b. Pure Land Sect d. Socio-political Sect
10. The is the most prominent face of Tibetan Buddhism who has been
living in exile in India since he fled Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959.
a. Buddha b. Dalai Lama c. Imam d. Pope

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 WHAT’S IN

TRUE OR FALSE.
Directions: Read the following statements. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and
FALSE if the statement is incorrect. Use separate sheet of paper for your answer.

1. Buddhism is a religion that builds around Siddhartha Gautama’s experience

of enlightenment around 2,500 years ago, or around 500 B.C.E.
_ 2. In Buddhism, it has no place for god or savior, as salvation entirely lies within
anyone’s control.
_ 3. Siddhartha never intended to start a new religion. His teachings are
focused primarily on ethics and self-understanding.
4. In Pali language, the word pitaka translates as ‘bag’ referring to the
Receptacles where the palm leaf manuscripts were stored by the monks.
5. The First Basket (Sutta Pitaka) contains the conventional teaching delivered
by Siddhartha on different occasions.
6. The Second Basket (Vinaya Pitaka) works on moral psychology.
7. The Third Basket (Abhidhamma Pitaka), contains the disciplinary code
required of Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis).
8. Human existence or what we call soul, is a composite of six mental or
physical aggregates or khandas.
9. Siddhartha analyzed the problem of dukkha that led him to arrive to the basic
law of causation or the “Four Noble Truths.”
10. Karma means law of cause and effect.

WHAT’S NEW

Directions: Unscramble the letters to obtain the correct spelling of each word. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Jumbled letters Answer

1. JLOUFY
2. UPITYR
3. SOUNILUM
4. ANTLLIBRI

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5. NQURECO
6. SDOMIW
7. MMIBLEAOV
8. OOGD
9. ICHNGARE
10. HARMAD

WHAT IS IT

According to Jose and Ong (2016) believing

itself as the more genuine version of Buddha’s
teachings, Mahayana Buddhism has diverged into
numerous schools with each developing its own canon
and rituals since its founding more than two thousand
years ago.

Mahayana Buddhism also known as “Great

Vehicle” emerged out of the monastic rule and
doctrinal differences within the original form of
Buddhism.

As stated by Cornelio et al. (2016), the

beginnings of the Mahayana set of scriptural texts date as far back as the 1st century B.C.E.
At around the 1st century C.E. a monk by the name of Nagarjuna provided a systematic
philosophical articulation of Buddhist doctrine that later became the basis of Mahayana
teaching. At present, the Mahayana school and its various sub school is firmly rooted in China
and Taiwan, Japan and Korea.

SACRED SCRIPTURES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

According to Jose and Ong (2016), the Mahayana branch accepts the canonical texts of
the Theravada school, such as the Tripitaka (Sanskrit word for “Three Baskets”) which is the
collection of Buddha’s teachings. It also has a wide array of philosophical and devotional texts,
since Mahayana Buddhism initially became more receptive to change and to subsequent
innovations even from indigenous culture.

Mahayana Buddhism includes many sacred writings which are nearly identical in content
with the Pali Canon of the Theravada sect.
The Canon of Mahayana Buddhism also consists of the Tripitaka such as:
1. Sutra Pitaka (Discourse)
2. Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline)
3. Abhidharma Pitaka (Ultimate Doctrine)

As the original language transmission, Mahayana Buddhism adopted the Sanskrit rather
than the Pali form of common terms strictly used in Theravada Buddhism, such as sutra (or
sutta in Pali) and dharma (or dhamma in Pali). Buddhist texts were also translated in the local
vernacular.

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 The Mahayana school possesses innumerable figures often lacking in the Theravada
literature, including the bodhisattvas, demons, divinities, and other spirits.

Lotus Sutra

Lotus Sutra is one of the most popular and prominent Mahayana Buddhist texts or sutras
(Jose and Ong, 2016). Literally, it means “correct dharma white lotus sutra” or “Sutra of the
Lotus of the wonderful Law” in Sanskrit. A sutra pertains to one of the discourses of the
historical Buddha that comprises the basic text of Buddhist sacred writing.

The Lotus Sutra is presented as a discourse conveyed by Siddhartha Gautama before

his eventual death. Mahayana tradition maintains that, while the sutras were recorded during
Siddhartha Gautama’s lifetime, these sutras were kept for 500 years and reintroduced only
during the “Fourth Buddhist Council” in Kashmir in 78 C.E.

The Lotus Sutra contains the most definitive teachings of the Buddha. Pervading most
schools of Buddhism in China, Korea, and Japan by way of the northern transmission, reciting
the texts of the Lotus Sutra is considered propitious. A key idea within the influential sutra is
that all people equally and inherently possess the so-called “Buddha nature” or “Buddha-
hood”, which is the condition of complete happiness and freedom from fear and illusions.
In short, the attainment of enlightenment is open to all people regardless of gender, race, social
status, and education.

BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

The Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, born in the fifth or sixth century C.E. in Nepal, is considered as the
historical Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. After he attained enlightenment at the age of 35,
he came to be known as Gautama Buddha and spent the rest of his life preaching across India.
He died at the age of 80.

The concept of trikaya (“three bodies”) pertains to the teaching of Mahayana Buddhism
about the nature of the Buddha and reality. While Theravada Buddhism puts very limited
emphasis on trikaya, this doctrine is very well-mentioned in Mahayana Buddhism (Jose and
Ong, 2016).

The table below summarizes the nature of the three bodies of Buddha.

The Body Nature or Aspect of “Buddha-hood” Manifestation

1. Dharmakaya body of absolute truth; Buddha is transcendent

absolute nature of all beings

2. Sambhogakaya body that experiences bliss ofBuddha’s body of

enlightenment bliss, or enjoyment body

3. Nirmanakaya body that manifests the world;Buddha’s earthly body, just

embodiment of dharmakaya in like any other human
human form being’s Body

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 The dharmakaya is identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute and beyond
existence or non-existence. Everyone can attain this special place which is beyond
perceptual forms. As a body of bliss, the state of sambhogakaya is already enlightened but
remains distinctive. Nirmanakaya is the physical body that undergoes birth, inhabits the
world, and dies in the end.

For Mahayana Buddhists, Buddhas are not individuals who lived in this world. In some
ways, they are simply expressions of the one Buddha reality, such as that of Siddhartha
Gautama. These great Buddhas are to be found in various heavens enshrined together with
other gods and saints. In China, Amitabha, is a very popular Buddha. In Japan, Vairocana is
the great Buddha (Jose and Ong, 2016).

Bodhisattvas

Bodhisattva or “enlightened existence” is the ultimate way for any Buddhist to live in this
world. A Bodhisattva has generated bodhicitta or the spontaneous desire to achieve the state
of being enlightened. The attainment of nirvana is not confined to one’s self as an arhat
(“perfect one”) but must be shared to all striving beings.

The path of the Bodhisattva can also be taken by any ordinary person, which is a way of
selflessness so that one can also be liberated from all forms of suffering in the cycle of rebirth.
Bodhisattvas are embodiment of great compassion. Mahayana Buddhism as a polytheistic
belief continued to grow in time along with its pantheon of Bodhisattva. Nevertheless,
Bodhisattva from those countries that embraced MahayanaBuddhism differ significantly from
one another, such as those that were adopted in China andJapan (Jose and Ong, 2016).
The Maitreya (“Buddha of the Future”) is the only accepted Bodhisattva in Theravada
Buddhism. The oriental Mahayana Buddhism has four other principal Bodhisattvas such as:
1. Avalokiteshvara
The most revered and most popular Buddhist deity among the Bodhisattvas. It is the
personification of perfect compassion, probably representing in Buddhism the sun-god
Vishnu of the older Hinduism.
2. Manjushri
Is the embodiment of wisdom, intelligence, and willpower.
3. Ksitigarbha
It is the one who helps and liberates all sentient beings residing in hell.
4. Samanthabhadra
It is the representation of love, virtue, and diligence.
Mahayana Buddhism encourages everyone to pursue the path of a Bodhisattva,
assume their vows, and work for the absolute enlightenment of all living beings.

Bhumis and Paramitas

As explained by Jose and Ong, (2016), based on the Mahayana tradition, a Bodhisattva
must pass 10 bhumis (“grounds” of “land”) before attaining the so-called “Buddha-hood”.
These are the extensions of the “Eightfold Path” as discussed in the previous lesson on
Theravada Buddhism.

The bhumis are frequently associated with the paramitas (“perfections”), translated to
as “to cross over the other shore,” paramitas imply crossing from the “sea of suffering” to
the “shore of happiness.”

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 A Bodhisattva vow is stated as “May I attain Buddha-hood for the benefit of all the
sentient beings.” The 10 bhumis as lifted from Avatamsaka Sutra or “Flower Garland Sutra,”
one of the most influential sutras of Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia, are listed below:

Bhumi/meaning Description Paramita Nature

The Bodhisattva starts the journey

1. Pramudita-bhumi Dana Paramita Perfection of giving
joyful with the Inspiration of
(joyful land) (Generosity) or generosity
enlightenment
The Bodhisattva is purified of
2. Vimala-bhumi Sila Paramita Perfection of
immoral conduct and
(Land of purity) (Discipline) morality
Dispositions
3.Prabhakari-bhumi The Bodhisattva is purified of the Perfection of
Ksanti Paramita
(Luminous or radiant “Three Poisons,” namely, greed, patience and
(Patience)
land) hate, and ignorance forbearance
4. Archismati-bhumi
The Bodhisattva burns away all Virya Paramita
(The Brilliant or Blazing Perfection of energy
false conceptions (Diligence)
Land)
The Bodhisattva goes deeper into
Dhyana
5. Sudurjaya-bhumi (The meditation and understands the
Paramita Perfection of
land that is difficult to “Four Noble Truth” and the “Two
(Meditative meditation
conquer) Truths” which are the conventional
Concentration)
and the ultimate Truths
The Bodhisattva sees that all
6. Abhimukhi-bhumi (The phenomena are without self- Perfection of
Prajna Paramita
land looking forward to essence and understands the wisdom
(Wisdom)
wisdom) nature of dependent
origination
The Bodhisattva acquires the
7. Durangama-bhumi
power of skillful means (upaya) to
(The far-reaching land)
help others realize Enlightenment
The Bodhisattva can no longer be
8. Achala-bhumi (the
disturbed because “Buddha-hood”
immovable land)
is within sight
9. Sadhumati-bhumi (the The Bodhisattva understands all
land of good thoughts) Dharmas and can teach others
10. Dharmamegha- The Bodhisattva is confirmed of
bhumi the “Buddha-hood” and enters
(the land of Dharma “Tushita Heaven” or the heaven of
Clouds) contented Gods

WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

According to Jose and Ong, (2016), Buddhism integrates an assortment of religious

practices and devotional rituals with the objective of aiding worshippers in their journey toward
enlightenment and in bringing blessings to everyone. In Buddhist temples, they pray and chant
to pay their respect to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, such as (1) Avalokiteshvara, (2)
Manjushri, and (3) Amitabha.

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 They also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay homage to these important divine
beings. Mahayana temples are sacred spaces. Mahayana rituals can be quite elaborate with
the addition of other disciples of Siddhartha Gautama and important Bodhisattvas.

Worshippers also recite chants and undertake pilgrimage to sites of Buddhist

importance. Meditational activities are fundamental in almost all popular forms of Buddhism.
For Theravada and Zen Buddhism, the practice of meditation is the only means to attain
liberation. With the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism in other places, local culture
influenced the development of Mahayana Buddhism practices.

The lotus that symbolizes purity, the eight-spoke wheels that represent the dharma, and
the different hand gestures (mudras) are the important symbols for Mahayana Buddhism.

SUBDIVISIONS AND SELECTED ISSUES OF MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

The more philosophical side of Indian Mahayana Buddhism was developed within the
contextof the two major schools, namely:
(1) Madhyamika (“Intermediate”)
Adherents stress the transformation of human perception to handle the truth of that
which is ultimately real beyond any duality.
(2) Yogachara (“Practice of Yoga”)
Thinkers emphasize that the truth perceives by the human being does not exist.

The Pure Land Sect

When believers die, it is their objective to live in the “Pure Land of the West” or
Sukhavati. Amitabha, the god who supervises over a western paradise is the focus of this
sect. Once in Sukhavati, people can experience the delight in hearing Amitabha teaching the
dharma in preparation for their entry to Nirvana. Aside from meditations, this Buddhist sect
utilizes chants and recitations to focus on helpful thoughts (Jose and Ong, 2016).

In Japan, simplifying the sect practices, such as those done by the monk Honen in the
twelfth century, attracted many followers to the sect Jodo Buddhism or Jodo-shu (“The Pure
Land School”) founded in 1175.

An offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism is the Shin Buddhism or Jodo Shin-shu (“True Pure
LandSchool”) founded by another Japanese monk Shinran during the thirteenth century. A
discipleof Honan, Shinran preached the primacy of faith and considered the act of chanting
having no value at all.

The Intuitive Sect

The intuitive sects emphasize that salvation is a personal matter and one cannot receive
assistance from other entities (such as another person or institution), to realize the inner truths
of religion.

In short, most elements of religion, from scriptures, temples, statues, prayers, and rituals
are not essential to achieve enlightenment. An individual may be spiritually enlightened by a
sudden spark of insight, either through meditation or even by accident, beyond words or
thoughts.

The Rationalist Sect

Aside from meditational practices, this sect taught that one must utilize reason and study
the scriptures and doctrines to discover Buddhist truths. Chih-I, the founder of this sect
emphasized that acts of studying, and contemplation were both vital for spiritual enlightenment.
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Apart from instructions on the scriptures and silent meditation, other means to reach this goal
include mystical communion with the eternal, ascetic discipline, meritorious deeds, and simple
faith in the mercy of the Buddha.

The teachings of Chih-I were introduced in Japan by the monk Saicho, known as Tendai.
During the eleventh century, the Buddhist monk Uicheon established the Cheontae Buddhist
school in Korea.

The Socio-political Sect

Japanese Buddhist, Nichiren Daishonin, teach that the path towards attaining
enlightenment rested solely on the devotion to the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren (“sun lotus”)
Buddhism, which is purely a Japanese phenomenon, perceives itself as the only rightful
version of Buddhism.

Nichiren Buddhism teaches that individuals must take responsibility to enhance

themselves, or what is called “human revolution,” and, in turn, to improve the world’s lot.
Enlightenment is accessible to every individual on earth simply by opening one’s inherent
Buddha-nature in this world. Nichiren, a scripture scholar and an activist is considered a
Buddha.

The Nichiren sect of Buddhism is an example of a religious group that came to have an
effect in the socio-political dimension of Japan. Present-day schools of Nichiren Buddhism
includes: (1) Soka Gakkai, (2) Nichiren Shoshu, and (3) Nicherin Shu.

Tibetan Buddhism

One of the major distinguishing features of Tibetan Buddhism is the use of magic as a
coping mechanism in the Tibetan way of life. The use of chants and yoga is also part of Tibetan
Buddhism. In utilizing manuals (tantra) for one’s magical instructions to handle the unknown,
is also known as Tantri Buddhism. The four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism include:
Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug.

Tibetan Buddhism has its own set of clergy, the lamas, who are commonly senior
members of the monastic community. The term lama means “the superior one” and lamas
are quite frequently the reincarnation of previous lamas.

The Dalai Lama is the most prominent face of Tibetan Buddhism. The term Dalai means
“ocean” in Mongol referring to the vastness and depth of the person. Now, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, has been transformed into a museum but remains a sacred place for many
Tibetans.
Selected Issues

Tibet Invasion

For centuries, both China and India have been claiming Tibet as part of their territories.
practically enjoyed some degree of independence as none of the claimants pressed their
claim. In 1959, the Dalai lama failed in his bid to oust China’s puppet rule as the Tibetan
uprising was defeated by the more powerful Chinese force. The Dalai lama, together with his
followers escaped to India, and are now living there as refugees.

From 1959 to 1977, almost all the elements of Tibetan Buddhism were obliterated. While
hundred thousands of Tibetans were killed, others were driven to exile. Presently, the Dalai
lama has been continuously visiting other countries preaching a message of hope and peace.
He has been given numerous citations for various international advocacies and teaching
9
activities such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1959), Nobel
Peace Prize (1989), U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (2007), and Templeton Prize (2012).

Engage Activism

Ritual suicides led by the Buddhist monks have transpired in the twentieth century as a
form of protest to governmental actions. As a result of persecutions undertaken by the
government against Buddhist, monks began to lambast the regime that eventually resulted in
the self- immolation of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk.

In Japan, a militant and missionary form of Buddhism was founded in 1930 called the
Soka Gakkai, a religious movement based on the teachings of Nicherin Buddhism. During the
Second World War, the group temporarily disbanded only to emerge mightily after the war. A
political party was even formed by Soka Gakkai, the Komeito, that became the third most
powerful in Japan (Jose and Ong, 2016).

WHAT’S MORE

TRUE OR FALSE.

Directions: Read the following statements. Write T if the statement is correct and F if the
statement is incorrect. Use separate sheet of paper for your answers.

1. Mahayana Buddhists worship a wide range of Bodhisattvas and semi-divine beings.

2. In Pali language, the word pitaka translates as ‘bag’ referring to the receptacles
where the palm leaf manuscripts were stored by the monks.
3. The Perfection of Knowledge is the implementation of truth in the phenomenal world.
4. One of the most popular and prominent Mahayana Buddhist texts is the Pali Canon.
5. The Mahayana does hold a consistent idea of sacred time.
6. Tibetans first came in contact with Buddhism when they occupied the oasis cities of
central Asia.
7. One distinct feature of Mahayana Buddhism concerns its teaching about an
enlightenment being or Bodhisattva (“enlightened existence”) which is the ultimate
way for anyBuddhist to live in this world.
8. The Lotus sutra contains the most definitive teachings of the Buddha.
9. Mahayana Buddhists engage in a tremendous range and one ritual and ceremonies.
10. The Mahayana branch accepts the canonical texts of the Theravada school, such as
the Tripitaka (Sutra Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidharma Pitaka)

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Directions: Choose from the box the appropriate words for the following statements. Use separate
sheet of paper for your answers.

Bodhisattva Vairocana Mudras Virya Paramita Dana Paramita

Flower Garland Sutra Shinran Sila Paramita Dhyana Paramita
Dharmakaya

1. The ultimate way for any Buddhist to live in this world

2. The identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute and beyond existence
10
 or non-existence.
3. The great Buddha in Japan.
4. The Paramita of Generosity.
5. The Paramita of Diligence.
6. The paramita of Discipline.
7. The Japanese monk and the founder of the True Pure Land School.
8. The important symbols for Mahayana Buddhism.
9. It is the one of the most influential sutras of Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia.
10. The nature of this paramita is a perfection of meditation.

WHAT I CAN DO

Directions: Make a brochure or a creative output (poem, song, collage,) about the doctrines
and practices of Mahayana Buddhism. For your guidelines, you may contact your teacher if
you would decide to make a film/video. Use the Rubrics below for your scoring guide

SCORING
RUBRIC

Indicators 20-25 15-20 10-14

Excellent Very Good Good

Information written in Information written in Information written

Relevance the output is very the output is somewhat in the output has no
relevant to the topic relevant to the topic relevance to the
topic

Very organized. Quite organized.

Sentences and Sentences and ideas
ideas are well- are not properly No organization at all.
Organization arranged. It iseasy arranged. It is quite
to understand and easy to understand and
follow. follow.

All points for the All points for the All points for the output
output discussed output discussed are discussed are notmeet
Completeness are meet with meet but lacking three with
complete to five details. incomplete parts.
parts.

The definition is The definition has two Many errors are

freefrom errors of to three errors in evident in the given
Mechanics spelling, spelling, capitalization, definition.
capitalization, and and punctuation.
punctuation.

Neatness Very neat Quite neat Partly neat

11
 ASSESSMENT

Multiple Choice
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. The use of chants and yoga is also part of .

a. Intuitive Sect c. Rationalist Sect
b. Pure Land Buddhism d. Tibetan Buddhism
2. is a canonical text which contains the collection of Buddha’s teachings.
a. Quran b. Sutra c. Tripitaka d. Vinaya Pitaka
3. While the first five paramitas are principally concerned with the accumulation of
merits, the sixth paramita involves the attainment of .
a. Knowledge b. Love c. Skills d. wisdom
4. For when believers die, their objective is to live in the Sukhavati, by
simply reciting the name of the Amitabha with utmost attentiveness many times during
the day.
a. Intuitive Sect c. Rationalist Sect
b. Pure Land Sect d. Socio-political Sect
5. Which sacred text is presented as a discourse by Siddhartha Gautama before his
eventual death?
a. Abhidarma Pitaka c. Sutra Pitaka
b. Lotus Sutra d. Vinaya Pitaka
6. Ma. Krizel wants to gain Buddha-hood and be eligible of becoming a Bodhisattva.
What must she do first?
a. Must go through countless incarnations
b. Always do meditations
c. Must achieve perfect compassion and perfect understanding
d. Must help others
7. How did Mahayana Buddhism shape history in terms of invasion?
a. The Dalai Lama travels around the world spreading a message of Peace and
Universal Responsibility
b. Conquering other countries through Tibetans’ influence
c. Spreading the good news throughout the world
d. Recruiting more monks and establishing temples throughout the world
8. How do the basic tenets of Mahayana Buddhism differ from Theravada Buddhism?
a. Laity's possibility of enlightenment
b. Mahayana Theravada Buddhists strive to become Arhats and gain freedom
from the cycle of samsara.
c. Theravada Buddhists may choose to stay in the cycle of samsara out of
compassion for others.
d. None of the above
9. Why is Mahayana Buddhism appealing to a vast majority of followers?
a. It emphasizes individual’s path to enlightenment and salvation which could be
attained in this life.
b. They also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay homage to these
important divine beings.
c. It is propagated and gaining support in other countries even to the remotest
places.
d. They always do meditations and Yoga.

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 10. Can an ordinary person like Zelter achieve the state of being enlightened? Why?
a. Yes, because all are equal in the eyes of Buddha.
b. No, because only a person like Buddha can achieve it.
c. Yes, by way of selflessness and be liberated from suffering.
d. Yes, by continuously devoting one’s self in meditation.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY/IES

ESSAY
Directions: Read carefully the question below and write your answer in 3-5 sentences. Use
separate sheet of paper for your answer. Refer to scoring rubrics on page 11.

1. Why is Mahayana Buddhism appealing to a vast majority of followers?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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 14
the Answers Vary Part.
The teacher will check all
Notes to the Teacher!
What I What's In What’s
Know 1. TRUE New
1. B 2. TRUE 1. JOYFUL
2. C 3. TRUE 2. PURITY
3. A 4. FALSE 3. LUMINOUS
4. C 5. TRUE 4. BRILLANT
5. D 6. FALSE 5. CONQUER
6. B 7. FALSE 6. WISDOM
7. C 8. FALSE 7. IMMOVABLE
8. B 9. TRUE 8. GOOD
9. A 10. TRUE 9. REACHING
10. B 10. DHARMA
What’s What I Assessme
more have nt
1. True learned 1. D
2. False 1. Bodhisattva 2. C
3. False (wisdom) 2. Dharmakaya 3. D
4. False (Lotus 3. Vairocana 4. B
Sutra) 4. Dana Paramita 5. C
5. False (does not) 5. Virya Paramita 6. C
6. True 6. Sila Paramita 7. A
7. True 7. Shinran 8. A
8. True 8. Mudras 9. A
9. False (variety of) 9. Flower Garland 10.C
10. True Sutra
10.Dhyana Paramita
ANSWER KEY
REFERENCES

Published Books

Cornelio, J. S. PhD., et. al., Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, (Senior High
School Textbook), Rex Bookstore. 2016.
Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
(Textbook), Quezon City, Vibal Group Inc., 2016.

Electronic Resources

Schedneck, Brooke, ‘5 Buddhist teachings that can help you deal with coronavirus
anxiety’, the conversation, 1 April 2020, https://theconversation.com/5-
buddhist-teachings-that-can-help-you-deal-with-coronavirus-anxiety-134320,
(accessed 27 April 2021).
History.com Editors, ‘Buddhism’, History, 28 April 2021,
https://www.history.com/topics/religion/buddhism#:~:text=Buddhism%20is%20
a%20faith%20that,of%20the%20major%20world%20religions., (accessed 27
April 2021).
‘Nirvana Day – Observing the Parinirvana of the Buddha’, Powerstownet, 13 February
2016, https://www.powerstownet.com/nirvana-day-observing-the-parinirvana-
of-the-buddha/, (accessed 27 April 2021).
‘Buddhism and Women’, Buddhanet, http://www.buddhanet.net/e-
learning/history/position.htm, (accessed 27 April 2021).
‘The Buddhist Concept of Impermanence’, hinduwebsite,
https://www.urbandharma.org/udharma8/imperm.html, (accessed 27 April
2021).
‘Tripitaka or Pali Canon’, ReligionFacts, 29 January 2021,
https://religionfacts.com/tripitaka, (accessed 27 April 2021).
Domingo, Jasten, ‘Mahayana buddhism’, slideshare, 23 October 2018,
https://www.slideshare.net/JastenDomingo/mahayana-buddhism-
120362890?qid=b4fa9e05-ce2c-41c9-8aae-
1a5a3e3cae57&v=&b=&from_search=11, (accessed 27 April 2021).
Juliewulf, ‘Buddhism lecture’, slideshare, 28 July 2014,
https://www.slideshare.net/Juliewulf/buddhism-lecture-
37426540?qid=1ceec99d-c2c3-4074-8e21-
3a60a3f21cdd&v=&b=&from_search=25, (accessed 27 April 2021).
Khuntai 2011, ‘Theravada Buddhism’, slideshare, 25 September 2015,
https://www.slideshare.net/ssuser3d03b3/theravada-buddhism-
53178726?from_action=save, (accessed 27 April 2021).
Starlanter, ‘Mahayana Buddhism’, slideshare, 24 September 2016,
https://www.slideshare. net/starlanter/mahayana-reporting?qid=9ee4f1f7-
7e52-480f-9325-edfb6d752eb9&v=&b=&from_search=21, (accessed 27 April
2021).
Theravadavsmahayana, ‘Theravada Vs Mahayana Buddhism – What Are The
Differences?’, 2 November 2018,
https://www.slideshare.net/theravadavsmahayana/theravada-vs-mahayana-
buddhism-what-are-the-differences?qid=389928db-97b5-4fa0-a480-
551297d870fd&v=&b=&from_search=2, (accessed 27 April 2021).
Fenton, Stephanie, ‘Parinirvana Day: Mahayana Buddhists recall the death of
Buddha’, Religious Holidays and Festivals, 03 February 2020,
https://readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/tag/mahayana/, (accessed

15
 28 April 2021).
‘What is a Bodhisattva?’, History Today,
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/foundations/what-bodhisattva,
(accessed 28 April 2021).
‘Buddhist monks wearing face masks as a preventive measure’, gettyimages,
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/buddhist-monks-wearing-
face-masks-as-a-preventive-measure-news-
photo/1212592547?adppopup=true, (accessed 28 April 2021).
‘Tibetans say the Dalai Lama should choose his successor’, the japan times, 28
November 2019, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/28/asia-
pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/tibetans-say-dalai-lama-choose-
successor/, (accessed 28 April 2021).

Other Resources

K to 12 Most Essential Learning Competencies with Corresponding CG Codes

16
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education, Region VII, DepEd-Cebu Province
(Office Address) IPHO Bldg., Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City
Telefax: (032) 255-6405
Email Address: cebu.province@deped.gov.ph

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