SMU DHAMMA CIRCLE
MULTIPLE TRADITIONS, COMMON GOAL
As we navigate through the intricate world of Buddhism, SMUDC held a session to uncover its multiple traditions, all converging on a shared goal: inner peace and liberation. Much like different facets of a precious gem, Buddhism reveals its depth as we explore these traditions.
Participants had an illuminating discussion where everyone came together and learn about the universal essence of Buddhist practices. During the session, we introduced concepts of "dharma doors" and "skillful means," underscoring how Buddhism offers multiple paths for self-improvement, nurtures compassion, encourages personal growth, and extends a caring hand to those in need.
There are 3 main traditions in Buddhism, which reflects the different ways of approaching the Buddha’s teaching.
DIFFERENT TRADITIONS OF BUDDHISM
| | Commonly found in: |
Theravāda (Eng., Pl.) Sthaviravāda (Skt.) | 上座部/南传 (Ch.) | Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia |
Mahāyāna (Eng., Pl., Skt.) | 大乘/北传 (Ch.) | China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam |
Vajrayāna (Eng., Skt.) Vajirayāna (Pl.) | 金刚乘/藏传 (Ch.) | Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Russia |
Fun Fact!
Did you know, the monastic robes (Kasaya) of the 3 traditions varies!
A food for thought: So are there any similarities between these traditions?
Yes! Participants learnt during the session that while Buddhist practice differs across the traditions, they all converge to a Common Goal: which is liberation (freedom from Dukkha), and removing 3 poisons. (p.s. refer to our previous post: Welcome Tea 2023 - to read more about the 3 poisons!)
Other similarities include:
· 4 Noble Truths
· Noble Eightfold Path
· 3 Marks of Existence
· Triple Gem
· Kamma
· Dependent Origination
CONCEPTS OF MAHĀYĀNA
The session’s main speakers, SMUDC’s Dhamma Study Director (Kai-wei) and Deputy Treasurer (Ren Kai) then delved into slightly different concepts Mahāyāna uses which lead to the same goal of liberation and traceable to the earlier shared core of Buddhism.
PATHS TO LIBERATION
Theravāda emphasizes the path of the Arahant, while Mahāyāna emphasizes the Bodhisattva path. Arahant take liberation of self as primary motivation, while Bodhisattva take liberation of others, along with self, as primary motivation.
Participants were also exposed to a few famous noble Bodhisattvas like Avalokiteśvara (观世音), Kṣitigarbha (地藏), Samantabhadra (普贤), learnt about Bodhisattvas’ brief backgrounds, and how we can gain inspiration and motivation from them. (p.s.! SMUDC will be visiting Buddha Tooth Relic Temple during recess week, where we will get the chance to learn about the temple & its history. You will also get to learn more about the noble Bodhisattvas during the visit! Join us to learn more :))
SKILFUL MEANS & DHARMA DOORS
Other than Bodhisattva ideal, Mahayana Buddhism introduces more methods and practices as part of a greater overarching idea of liberation. Upāya (方便) represents adaptations of the same teaching to people with different inclination. This allows Buddhist to use different methods to reach the same goal of reducing the 3 Poisons in the mind. (also known as Dhammapariyāya = Dharma doors(法门))
In the suttas, Buddha gave various objects to contemplate on, (which were compiled as 40 meditation objects in the later commentary called 'Path of Purification'). Buddha also gave 84, 000 teachings for practitioners to suit the different needs of students (found in Pail Canon).
Our speakers then shared their own skilful means they use in their personal practices, and why it works for them.
At the end of the session, we concluded with understanding that there are different traditions in Buddhism, in which there are various skillful means that are suited for different people to reach the same goal – liberation. As practitioners, we should not judge the practice of others but instead reflect on our own practice.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY?
Today’s sharing is an eye-opener! As a Buddhist myself, there are so much new knowledge I picked up today. This is why I come to SMUDC every week to learn new things!
I have learnt a lot today about the different traditions of Buddhism, the practices and the reasons for practicing them. This allows me to explore and find what I’m comfortable in practicing. 🙏🏻
SMUDC hopes that all participants had fun while learning more about Buddhism concepts!
“The non-doing of any evil,
the performance of what's skilful,
the cleansing of one's own mind:
this is the teaching of the Awakened.”
Dhammapada, XIV, 183
EVENTS @ SMUDC
At SMUDC, we strive to bring the Buddha Dhamma to the student community through ways that are fun, enjoyable, and relatable! We welcome all Buddhists and non-Buddhists to join us!
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