Essay On Theravada Buddhism

The aspects of religion are often specific to the different countries in which they are practiced. Since religions are sometimes practiced in different parts of the world, the beliefs, customs, and festivals can be expected to have certain similarities, but also portray a number of variations. Buddhism, a religion of enlightenment, was originally founded in what is today, the country of Nepal, and grew to become one of the major religions of the world. It went on to spread to Sri Lanka, and then to central and Southeast Asia China, Korea, Japan, and finally Tibet. Many interpretations of the teachings Buddha occurred and resulted in the emergence of two main schools called the Theravada and Mahayana. China became the country with the largest

Buddhism teaches that anyone can become enlightened, even paving their own way to becoming a buddha once that certain level of enlightenment has been obtained. Many Buddhists believe that the Buddha taught his followers to think for themselves and carefully examine the teachings of the religion so they could what is right for them. Though this history is shared, the differences between Theravada and Mahayana teachings are noticed. At the base of these differences is the belief in Theravada Buddhism, that people have find the way to nirvana through their own individual effort. The Theravada provides teachings about karma, cause and effect, as well as learning to obtain distance from troublesome thoughts. They believe that this potential can be realized through personal trials. It is thought that Theravada can be selfish since it teaches that people should seek their own salvation. On the contrary, Mahayanists possess the belief that they can seek this salvation through the mediation of Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas are thought to be future Buddhas who, out of compassion for their fellow human beings, have delayed their own desire of becoming a buddha, so they can then assist those struggling with