Comparison of the Theravadan & Mahayanan traditions:
Graeme Lyall writes:
"Many Buddhists, especially Westerners, tend to see both the Theravada and Mahayana approaches as not being contradictory or in opposition but rather as complimentary to each other. The Mahayana is often seen as an expansion of or commentary on Theravadan teachings." 6
| Theravada Buddhism | Mahayana Buddhism |
| Intense, dedicated and time-consuming effort required to attain enlightenment. | Enlightenment is achieved through a normal life with varying degrees of spiritual involvement. |
| Reaching Nirvana is the ultimate goal of the Theravada Buddhist. | Vow to be reborn in order to help all other sentient beings reach Nirvana first. |
| Strives for wisdom first . | Compassion is the highest virtue. |
| Centers on meditation, and requires major personal dedication such as being a monk or nun. | Encourages practice in the world and among the general community. |
| Followed as a teaching or Philosophy. | Followed with reference to higher beings, more like a religion. |
| Moved primarily South and West covering Indochina and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka). | Moved Primarily North and West, covering China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. |
| Early work written in Pali (e.g. kamma, dhamma). | Early texts are in Sanskrit (e.g. karma, dharma) |
| Emphasizes rules and education | Emphasizes intuition and practice |
| Politically conservative | Politically liberal |
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