MAHAYANA-
*greater vehicle"
*text in sankskrit, written in india
*majority of buddists today are mahayanan- china, japan
*claims to have buddha's secret given to most advanced disciples
*popular movement
*buddha and other figures are prayed to and worshipped
*ideal: arhat- person who has achieved nirvana in this lifetime
*virtues: compassion and love
*"grace"- focus on helping others
*heaven, hell, and nirvana
*self, soul
*metaphysics
*compassion
*more rituals, prayer

THERAVADA
*hinayana "lesser vehicle"- perjorative name for theravada
*texts in pali, written in sri lanka
*very few theravadas are still around
*earliest and most authentic
*monastic movement (monks, nuns)
*no bhakti, no gods
*ideal: boddhisattra- person who puts off final nirvana to help others find enlightenment
*virtues" calmness, serenity, peace of mind
*"works" self help
*no afterlife, but nirvana
*no self, no soul
*no metaphysics
*wisdom, discipline
*less ritual