Buddhism History of Buddhism the Thesis

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1126 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 4

Page 1 of 4



Major Doctrines

There are three major recognized doctrines in Buddhism: Theravada ("The Speech of the Elders"), Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"), and Vajrayana ("The Diamond Vehicle").

Theravada was the initial teaching of the elderly disciples and is believed to be the most conservative of all doctrines, keeping the closest with Buddha's own teachings and traditions.

The Mahayana stemmed from the liberal sect that broke away in the incipient phases of Buddhism. The teachings of this sect showed that all levels of Buddhist enlightenment were readily available for other Buddhist believers, including some phases that were believed to have been reached only by Buddha himself, such as the Buddhahood. Following this and through the removal of Gautama's exceptionality, it was clear through Mahayana, that there were more Buddhas in the world, all having reached a similar level of enlightenment and referred to as Bodhisattvas. The ways that the principles and paths for Buddhists would be respected was also diversified with the Mahayana.

The Vajrayana is the most esoteric of the three major doctrines in Buddhism. This doctrine brings back exceptionality for Buddha and emphasizes that the means of reaching enlightened spirits have only been shared with a very small community of his closest disciples.

Stuck Writing Your "Buddhism History of Buddhism The" Thesis?

View All Our Example Buddhism History of Buddhism the Thesis

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



Background Philosophy

Buddhist philosophy is based on several essential beliefs, as promoted by Buddha. These include the Truth of Suffering, where as the entire life cycle is a continuous suffering ending in death; the Truth of Cause (suffering caused by desire and ignorance); the Truth of Cessation ("suffering can be ended if the causes are removed") and the Truth of the Way. Moving through this and through different philosophical Buddhist doctrines, the Buddhist philosophy developed to promote an indulgent Middle Way of philosophical belief, where the final objective is the avoidance of the continuous circle of reincarnation.

Cultural Social Influences

It is interesting to see how, on one hand, Buddhism was itself a religion that was made of different cultural and social influences, notably from the countries where it became an important religion (China, India, Japan). At the same time, it has thoroughly influenced the belief of the Western world after its discovery, with more and more Westerners approaching Buddhist beliefs......

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Buddhism History Of Buddhism The" (2008, September 24) Retrieved May 21, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/buddhism-history-buddhism-27970

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Buddhism History Of Buddhism The" 24 September 2008. Web.21 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/buddhism-history-buddhism-27970>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Buddhism History Of Buddhism The", 24 September 2008, Accessed.21 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/buddhism-history-buddhism-27970
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example