Buddhist Sects: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana Diversity

Buddhism, a diverse religious tradition, comprises various sects or schools, each interpreting teachings differently. Major sects include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each with distinct practices, scriptures, and philosophical perspectives.

STHAVIRAVADA OR THERAVADA

• About: Theravada in Pali means “Way of the Elders”. 
• Nature: It is considered an orthodox form of Buddhism with the primary goal of achieving the cessation of Kleshas (defilements) and attaining Nirvana.
• Analysis Principle: Theravada adheres to Vibhajjavada (the teaching of analysis). 
  • This doctrine says that insight must come from experience, critical investigation, and reasoning of an individual instead of blind faith.
  • Extension: This branch is prevalent in Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.
• Thervada Text: Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification) written by Buddhaghosa in 5th Century BC in Sri Lanka.

MAHASANGHIKAS

• Formation: The first division in the Buddhist community occurred during the Second Buddhist Council when the Acariyavadins (followers of the traditional teaching) split away from the Sthaviravadins (followers of the Way of the Elders) and formed their own school, known as the Mahasanghikas.
• Nature: The Mahasanghikas’s views on the nature of the Buddha and the Arhat (saint) foreshadowed the development of the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
• Further subdivisions of the Mahasanghikas over the next seven centuries included the Lokottaravadins, the Ekavyavaharikas, and the Kaukkutikas. [UPSC 2020]

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HINAYANA (Lesser Vehicle)

• About: It is a conservative and orthodox form of Buddhism prevalent in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.
• Aim: Adherents aim to become Arhats, individuals who attain self-nirvana and cease rebirth. 
  • This has been criticised by the Mahayana sect as being self-centred.
• Nature: Emphasises gradual nirvana, where individuals help others through example, advice, self-discipline, and meditation, achieving salvation individually.
• Rejects the deification of Buddha, viewing him as a regular human being, leading to symbol worship rather than idol worship.

MAHAYANA BUDDHISM (Greater Vehicle) 

• About: It considers Buddha as a God and focuses on the Law of Karuna or compassion over and above the law of Karma.
• Idol Worship: The deification of Buddha started the practice of idol worship. [UPSC 2019]
• Concept of Bodhisattvas emerged:
  • They were seen as compassionate beings who, instead of attaining Nirvana, accumulated merit to help others in the world. [UPSC 2017]. Those who completed this goal were called Samyaksambuddha.
• Centres: Its main centre was Nalanda University (under Pala Patronage). 
  • Dinnaga and Dhammapala, eminent Buddhist scholars from Kanchipuram, headed the famous Nalanda University.
• Extensions: It spread to China & Japan.       

Mahayana’s Schools of Thought

VAJRAYANA (Vehicle of the Thunderbolt)

• About: It is an offshoot of Mahayana Buddhism and referred as Mantrayana (emerged after the 5th century AD.).
• Centres: It was practised in regions of Bengal, Bihar, Nepal and eventually spread to Tibet in the 11th century AD. 
  • Its main centre was Vikramasila University in Bihar.
• Nature: Monks in this tradition distanced themselves from mainstream society and transitioned from Pali (the People’s Language) to Sanskrit (an intellectual language).
• Tantric Elements: It emphasised Tantrism, incorporating rituals, chanting, and tantric techniques.
• It incorporates a strong female element, and sculptures like the 10th-century Bihar statue of the Buddhist goddess Marichi exemplify this.
  • Worship of deities like Tara is intended to cultivate inner qualities for a better understanding of the external world.

Conclusion:

• The multitude of Buddhist sects reflects the dynamic nature of Buddhism, accommodating diverse cultural, philosophical, and religious expressions. Despite differences, all sects share a common goal: pursuit of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.