Page 14 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

e two great traditions share the same basic teachings of the

Buddha but their interpretations of the ideals and practices are

not quite the same. e eravada, often referred to as the Hi-

nayana, focuses on the attainment of the Arhat level of realisa-

tion while the Mahayana, being much more progressive, liberal

and open-minded, strives not for self liberation but to serve

mankind actively through the attainment of Bodhisattvahood.

e Mahayana recognises the weakness of human beings and

offers help in salvation through the services of the Bodhisattvas.

is great concern and attitude earns it the title “Mahayana” or

“Great Vehicle” as it seeks to benefit all beings by awakening their

enlightenment thought which leads them to practise the Bodhi-

sattva path. It is open to all who wish to practise it, whether

monk or laity, and therefore has won the hearts of countless

people, especially the Chinese. As the Mahayana spreads across

the land, it absorbed the different cultures and indigenous be-

liefs, thus allowing the Great Vehicle to transform the wisdom

of Buddhahood to different people in a variety of ways. us we

find that there are more schools of Mahayana Buddhism which

are but different paths of practice leading to the same goal.

Hinayana Buddhism is not a metaphysical doctrine but a philo-

sophical one. It does not speculate on the origin of the world nor

the existence of God and neither does it accept the divinity of

the Buddha. e Buddha, himself is regarded as a man, a great

teacher, but not a God or Deity. e stress is on self-reliance and

it follows therefore that one should not expect miraculous help

from any deity in heaven at all. One should rather rely on one’s

own efforts and conduct to achieve one’s goals.

 