Religions of India 3/5/02


Theravada

Virtues: Calmness, peace of mind, serenity
“works”, self-help
No afterlife but Nirvana
No self
No metaphysics
Wisdom, discipline
Less rituals

Mahayama
Virtues: Compassion and love
“Grace” – focus on helping others
Heaven + Hell + Nirvana
Self
Metaphysics
Compassion, grace, devotion
Rituals and prayer
Ideal: bodhisattva

Dhamma=Dharma

Buddhist “gospel” or teaching
Buddha wants to concentrate on the people who will benefit. (People who are committed to reaching Nirvana.) Becoming a monk helps others through your example. Dhammapada- discussion of the virtues of Theravada Buddhism
- Presentation of basic beliefs.