Reading assignment: pg. 91-98, 101-112 for Fri. 3/8 & pg. 118-132, 135-143 for next week

Theravada: Spiritual discipline
-all about your own salvation
-discipline
-philosophy
Once you reach freedom from desire, you reach "Final Nirvana," which is a state of bliss.

Mahayana: Religious idea
-Bodhisattva
-grace
-devotion
-traditional religion
Once you become enlightened and free from desire, a person can choose to either go to "Final Nirvana," or become a Bodhisattva, who is someone that continues to be reborn in order to help others achieve "Final Nirvana."

Parable of the Three Fields:
-Bad Soil=people against Buddha's teachings. Buddha doesn't spend much time focusing on these people.
-Mediocre Soil=lay people who are not committed to Buddha's teachings. Not as "fertile" as Excellent Soil. Some focus from Buddha.
-Excellent Soil=people committed to Buddha's teachings and to reaching Nirvana. Most of Buddha's focus are on them.

pg.97, section 10: Is becoming a monk a sin?
-yes, if you are seeking enlightenment and Nirvana for self.
-no, if your example of being a monk helps others. A monk can inspire and encourage others to do as he does so they can find Nirvana also.