Buddhism made simple for non-Buddhists: The Philosophy
A pious Buddhist, or a scholar of Buddhism, will say, “Buddhism is a way of life”. From the highly accomplished Rinpoche to the lowly Buddhist layman, this understanding of the meaning does not change. Unlike other institutionalized religions, where the understanding of the faith changes in degrees of your understanding of the holy scriptures, Buddhists simply live by their Karma – deeds. Meaning, even a layman, a believer who has no idea of the intricacies of the Buddhist theology, can live a meritorious life on earth, which can help him/her in the next life.
In major religions like Christianity, Islam, and some ways, Hinduism, the idea of heaven and hell is the endgame of life on earth. However, in Buddhism, life on earth is not the final stage; rather, it is one of the many stages of reincarnation of the predominant six realms, as illustrated in the Sipa Khorlo, or the Wheel of Life.
As a non-Buddhist, getting to know a vast subject like Buddhism and its Himalayan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism can be daunting when you begin to grasp the idea of how the religion functions beyond the beautiful iconography, the handsome Buddhas, the beautiful Taras, and the melodious mantras. Therefore, I want to make the subject simpler so that you can transition to the intermediate and advanced stages with ease.
The 3 forms of Buddhism
Let’s start with the three forms of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. They are also popularly known as the three vehicles (the yanas) of which Hinayana (Theravada) is the Small Vehicle, Mahayana – the Great Vehicle, and Vajrayana – the Adamantine Vehicle.
Hinayana (Theravada)
The most ancient form of Buddhism is incidentally also the oldest surviving school of Buddhism today. Theravada means “the way of the elders”, and in a way gave birth to the apostolic Buddhism. It was formed after the death of Gautama Buddha around the 6th Century BC.
The fundamental teachings of Theravada Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path of Living. To perceive these teachings, followers of Theravada Buddhism believe in the ritualistic practice of meditation, chanting mantras, and following the footsteps of Lord Buddha, to attain Nibbana (Nirvana).
Core beliefs include:
1. Being mindful of one’s deeds (karma)
2. To attain freedom from Samsara, or the cycle of rebirths.
3. Understand the idea of impermanence in life.
Central figures:
1. Shakyamuni Buddha
2. The Sixteen Arhats
Sri-Lanka, Myanmar, and Cambodia are some countries that still follow Theravada Buddhism in the present day. India and Thailand also have followers of Theravada Buddhism.
Mahayana
Evolved around the 1st Century BC, Mahayana Buddhism incorporates the teachings of Theravada Buddhism, but its foundational teaching is the Boddhisattva Path. In a simple layman’s understanding, the Boddhisattva Path is the accumulation of merits (Karma) through the help of different manifestations of Buddha and deities. Therefore, you will find a cosmos of Buddhas to help you attain Nirvana.
Core beliefs include:
1. Boddhisattva Path
2. Buddha Nature
3. Philosophy of Sunyata
4. Trikaya
Central figures:
1. Shakyamuni Buddha
2. Dhyani Buddhas
3. Avalokiteśvara.
China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Taiwan are some countries that practice Mahayana Buddhism. North East of India also has many Mahayana practitioners.
Vajrayana
If Mahayana incorporated the teachings of Theravada, Vajrayana is the offshoot of the esoteric, or tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism, and can be categorized as the PRO version of Buddhism. In modern parlance, Vajrayana practitioners are the OG of Buddhism.
Core beliefs include:
1. Everything that Theravada & Mahayana practices.
2. Union of Dualities – Wisdom and Method (Compassion)
Central figures:
1. Guru Rinpoche
2. Vajrasattva
Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet are predominant practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism.
A layman’s POV of the differences between the three forms
A practitioner of Hinayana (Theravada) may take 100 reincarnations before he is free from Samsara (the cycle of rebirths).
A practitioner of Mahayana may take 10 reincarnations before he is free from Samsara because he has the help of the Bodhisattvas and deities to accentuate his merits.
However, a practitioner of Vajrayana can release himself from Samsara in one lifetime because of his understanding of the unity of dualism and the secret esoteric rituals.
Vishal Eli Chamling
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