Buddhism is an ancient religion that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. It has spread across Asia and the world, evolving into many different schools of thought and practice. Among the major branches of Buddhism, two of the most prominent are Theravada and Mahayana. These two schools differ in their teachings, practices, and philosophical outlook. One common question that arises is: Which came first, Theravada or Mahayana? This article will explore the history and development of both schools, shedding light on their origins and evolution.
The Origins of Buddhism
Before we dive into the differences between Theravada and Mahayana, it is essential to understand the beginnings of Buddhism. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who came to be known as the Buddha, around the 5th to 4th century BCE in ancient India. His teachings focused on the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering (dukkha) and the path to the cessation of suffering (nirvana).
After the Buddha’s death, his followers organized his teachings into the Tripitaka, or “Three Baskets,” which included the Vinaya (rules for monastic life), Sutta (discourses), and Abhidhamma (philosophical analysis). The early followers of the Buddha were known as the Sangha, and they adhered to the teachings of the Buddha as closely as possible.
Theravada Buddhism: The “Teaching of the Elders”
Theravada Buddhism is often considered the oldest and most orthodox form of Buddhism. The term “Theravada” means “Teaching of the Elders” and refers to the tradition that follows the teachings of the early Buddhist community. Theravada is based on the Pali Canon, a collection of scriptures written in Pali, the language spoken by the Buddha.
The Development of Theravada
Theravada Buddhism traces its roots back to the Buddha’s original teachings. After his death, the Buddhist community split into various factions, and different schools of thought emerged. Theravada became the dominant school of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia. It emphasizes strict adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha and places a strong emphasis on monastic life and meditation.
Theravada Buddhists believe that the path to enlightenment (nirvana) is achieved through personal effort and following the Noble Eightfold Path. This path consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
Theravada Buddhism emphasizes the concept of arhatship, the state of being a perfected disciple who has attained enlightenment. The goal is to reach nirvana and break free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) through wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
Spread of Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Cambodia. It also took root in Sri Lanka, where it became the dominant form of Buddhism. Today, Theravada Buddhism is practiced by millions of people worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Mahayana Buddhism: The “Great Vehicle”
Mahayana Buddhism, meaning “Great Vehicle,” is the second major school of Buddhism, which developed later than Theravada. The term Mahayana refers to the idea of a “great vehicle” that can carry more people to enlightenment. Unlike Theravada, which emphasizes personal effort and individual attainment of enlightenment, Mahayana Buddhism focuses on the idea of bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who delay their own nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.
The Emergence of Mahayana
Mahayana Buddhism began to develop around the 1st century CE in India. It was influenced by various factors, including the rise of new philosophical ideas and the increasing desire to make Buddhism more accessible to the general population. While Theravada remained focused on monastic life, Mahayana expanded the scope of the teachings to include laypeople and those who sought to attain enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all beings.
Mahayana Buddhists believe that the path to enlightenment is not limited to monks and nuns but is open to everyone. The ideal figure in Mahayana Buddhism is the bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara to help others. The bodhisattva vow is central to Mahayana practice, and it represents the aspiration to assist all beings in achieving liberation.
Mahayana Buddhism also introduced new scriptures and teachings that were not part of the early Buddhist canon. The Mahāyāna Sūtras, which are written in Sanskrit, became central to the Mahayana tradition. These scriptures contain teachings on compassion, wisdom, and the nature of reality, as well as the importance of the bodhisattva ideal.
Spread of Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism spread from India to Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. It became the dominant form of Buddhism in East Asia and is still widely practiced in these regions today. Mahayana traditions are diverse, with different schools of thought, including Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism.
Key Differences Between Theravada and Mahayana
While both Theravada and Mahayana share common origins in the teachings of the Buddha, there are several important differences between the two traditions.
1. Focus on the Ideal of Enlightenment
Theravada: The goal is to become an arhat, an enlightened being who has attained nirvana and escaped the cycle of samsara.
Mahayana: The goal is to become a bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
2. The Role of Monks and Laypeople
Theravada: Emphasizes monastic life and meditation as the primary means of achieving enlightenment. Laypeople can support the monastic community but are generally not encouraged to pursue full enlightenment.
Mahayana: Opens the path to enlightenment to both monks and laypeople. It emphasizes the bodhisattva path, which is accessible to all.
3. Scriptures
Theravada: Uses the Pali Canon as its primary scripture, which is considered to be closer to the original teachings of the Buddha.
Mahayana: Uses the Mahāyāna Sūtras, a collection of texts that contain teachings on the bodhisattva path and other advanced doctrines.
4. Philosophical Approach
Theravada: Emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, focusing on the individual’s effort to attain nirvana through personal wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
Mahayana: Emphasizes the practice of compassion (karuṇā) and wisdom (prajñā) and the importance of helping others achieve enlightenment.
The Timeline: Which Came First?
Theravada Buddhism is generally considered to be the older of the two schools. It is rooted in the earliest teachings of the Buddha and follows the original monastic tradition. After the Buddha’s death, his followers began to interpret his teachings in various ways, leading to the development of different schools of thought.
Mahayana Buddhism emerged several centuries later, around the 1st century CE, as a response to the growing need for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to Buddhist practice. It sought to broaden the scope of Buddhism by including laypeople and emphasizing the role of bodhisattvas.
Conclusion: Theravada or Mahayana?
Theravada Buddhism came first, as it represents the early teachings of the Buddha and the practices of his original followers. Mahayana Buddhism developed later as a way to expand the teachings of Buddhism and make them more accessible to a wider audience. Both traditions are equally important and offer valuable insights into the nature of suffering, enlightenment, and the path to liberation. Whether one follows the Theravada path of personal enlightenment or the Mahayana path of helping others, both are part of the rich and diverse tradition of Buddhism.
In the end, the question of which came first—Theravada or Mahayana—is not just about historical chronology but about the different approaches to understanding and practicing the Buddha’s teachings. Both paths offer unique perspectives and contribute to the global spread and evolution of Buddhism.
