World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide The rest of the precepts may be observed by laypeople, but only for a short time. They are as follows: 9. To refrain from taking food at an unseasonable time that is after the mid-day meal 10. To refrain from dancing, music, singing and unseemly shows 11. To refrain from the use of garlands, perfumes, ointments, and other things to beautify a person 12. To refrain from using high and luxurious seats and beds 13. To refrain from accepting gold and silver 4.10 Schools and Traditions There are several ways to classify Buddhists. Some scholars use the classification of Theravada, Mahayana, or Vajrayana. Others use geographical regions or cultural areas, such as Theravada, East Asian Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. Each has their own traditions of Buddhism and treats different concepts as central. Each tradition has its own core concepts, with some similarities, such as: • All accept the Buddha as their teacher • All accept the Middle Way, dependent origination, the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Three Marks of Existence • All accept that members of the laity and of the Sangha can pursue the path toward enlightenment • All consider Buddhahood the highest attainment Theravada School The Southern Buddhism, Theravada is conservative and generally closest to early Buddhism. The branches in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia have survived, although it has declined on the Indian subcontinent. Theravada is practiced today in Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and in some portions of China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. It has a growing following in Europe and America as well. Theravadin Buddhists believe that personal effort is required to realize rebirth. Village monks teach and serve the lay communities, while solitary monks meditate. A layperson can perform good works and those can be traded to the gods, who may reward the effort with material benefits. Theravada Buddhists believe anyone can be a Buddha. They do not believe in deities and they do not perform rituals. Monks are closer to being enlightened than a layperson. The layperson can only hope to be reborn as a monk, which would put them one step closer to being a Buddha. Theravada Buddhists believe those who attained enlightenment are saints. They do not believe in Bardo. ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 36 of 96