Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

1. Main forms of Buddhism that are found in the following countries:

   • China
   • Japan
     • Japanese buddhism has no monks in the traditional sense of the word
     • Monks are usually expected to be celibate and unmarried
     • In Japan men who work in temples and carry out Buddhist rituals are usually married
   • Tibet
     • In Tibetan Buddhism some men become monks
       • They wear distinctive red robes
       • Follow similar rules to Theravada monks
   • In the 20th century Mahayana spread outside of Asia and are now followers in most parts of the world including the UK.
   • Korea
   • Mongolia
   • Vietnam

2. Covers many different types of Buddhism

   • They all have different teachings on the Sangha

3. Mahayana means 'The Great Vehicle'.

   • Suggests that followers see their religion as the best form of Buddhism

4. Holy Books they follow:

   • Believe the teachings of Pali Canon
   • Also follow a set of scriptures known as Mahayana Sutras
     • These scriptures were not known about until many years after the Buddha's death
     • Mahayana Buddhist's believe that the scriptures are the Buddha's most important teachings which were lost or hidden during his lifetime.