Differences Between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism share the same core beliefs and devotion to the life and teaching of Buddha but they do have some differences.
Theravada Buddhism is associated with South East Asia and is perhaps closer to the original Indian form of Buddhism. As Mahayana Buddhism spread north through Tibet and China it took on more local customs.
Location Of Buddhist Paths
- Theravada Buddhism - Southern (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, parts of Southeast Asia)
- Mahayana Buddhism - Northern (Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, parts of Southeast Asia )
Scriptures
- Theravada in Pali (Pali Cannon).
- Mahayana in Sanskrit (Sutras)
- Both share the common basic Buddhist teachings of Four Noble Truths, Eight fold path.
Language Difference
Theravada Buddhism is more conservative. Place importance on Pali language as birth language of the Buddha. Pali is used in worship
Bodhisattvas
In Theravada Maitreya only, in Mahayana Buddhism Maitreya plus non historical figures.
Mahayana Buddhism suggests Boddhistvas delay their realisation to stay in Samsara and help other struggling humans. Theravada suggests Bodhisattvas seek enlightenment first before they are able to help others stuck in Samsara. In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas have greater prominence.
Goal of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhist place greater emphasis on arhat - liberation or Nirvana. In Mahayana Buddhism the role of the Bodhisattva path is given more prominence.
Type of Meditation
- Theravada - mainly silent mind mindfulness meditation
Mahayana Buddhism greater emphasis on mantras, chanting, especially in Tibetan Buddhism.
Though Tibetan Buddhism is based on Mahayana it could be seen as its own strand - Vajrayana. Based on Tantric disciplines.