Buddhism and Jainism (Part 3)

#1 What are various sects of Buddhism and their features?

1) Hinayana: orthodox+ conservative; also called lesser vehicle/Theravada/ Sthaviravadinis; use of Pali;
did not believe in Idol Worship; promoted individual salvation through self-discipline + meditation;
patronized by Ashoka; spread in Cambodia + Laos + Sri Lanka + Thailand + Burma.
2) Mahayana: separated in 4th Buddhist council; Great Vehicle; idol worship; use Sanskrit along with Pali;
aimed at universal liberation; salvation by grace/blessing of Buddha; patronized by Kanishka + Harsha;
spread in North Asia, including China, Mongolia, Tibet, Korea, and Japan.
3) Vajrayana Buddhism: also called Mantrayana/ Tibbetan Buddhism/Tantrayana/ Diamond Vehicle/
Thunderbolt Vehicle; developed in India around the 6th or 7th century CE; Use of various ritual, magic,
Tantra, Sacrifices; influenced by Hinduism (Shakti cult); use Sanskrit; spread to Tibbet by a monk
Padamsambhav; use Mandalas + prayer wheel+ Mudras + Mantras; believe in Bodhisattvas; Tara and
Dakini important female figures.

#2 How Hinayana and Mahayana are distinct?

Hinayana Mahayana
Considered Lesser Vehicle. (Inferior) Considered higher Vehicle. (Superior)
Orthodox school Liberal school
Did not believe in idol worship Idol worshippers
Buddha as Guru Buddha as god
Used Pali Used Sanskrit and Pali
No concept of Bodhisattva Bodhisattva
Individual liberation Universal liberation
Liberation through meditation Liberation through mantras
Salvation by deeds Salvation by faith
Spread in Srilanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Spread in China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia.
Mayanmar
Patronized by Ashoka Patronized by Kanishka and Harsha
Sects are Vaibhashika and Sautantrika. Madhyamika and Yogacharya

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