SecularFuture
May 24, 2008, 02:31 AM
I made this FAQ for another message board. I'm posting it here for those who may be curious about the different Buddhist schools and traditions.
=======================
Introduction
Basic Teachings of All Schools:
The Four Noble Truths (http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.html)
The Noble Eightfold Path (http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html)
Theravada Buddhism
Description:
Theravada ("the Teaching of the Elders") is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka and most of continental Southeast Asia. In the Pali Canon discourses, the Buddha frequently instructs his disciples to practice anapanasati (mindfulness with breathing) as the base for samadhi (concentration) in order to establish and develop jhana (full concentration). Jhana is also the instrument used by the Buddha himself to penetrate the true nature of phenomena (through investigation and direct experience) and to reach Enlightenment.
Webpage:
www.accesstoinsight.net (http://www.accesstoinsight.net)
Important Texts:
The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn56/sn56.011.than.html)
The Satipatthana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.than.html)
The Maha-nidana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.15.0.than.html)
The Anatta-lakkhana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.059.than.html)
Helpful Books
What the Buddha Taught (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130313) by Walpola Rahula
In the Buddha's Words (http://wisdompubs.org/Pages/display.lasso?-KeyValue=104) by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Mahayana Buddhism
Description:
Mahayana (Sanskrit: mahāyāna:महायान, "Great Vehicle") Buddhism is not a single group but a collection of Buddhist traditions: Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism are all forms of Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada and Mahayana are both rooted in the basic teachings of the historical Buddha, and both emphasize the search for liberation from the cycle of samsara (birth, aging, sickness, death, and rebirth).
Webpage:
www.buddhanet.net/l_maha (http://www.buddhanet.net/l_maha.htm)
Important Texts:
The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in 8000 Lines (http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/perfectionofwisdom.pdf)
The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra (The Heart Sutra) (http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/heartsutra-kumarajiva.pdf)
The Sutra on the White Lotus (The Lotus Sutra) (http://cttbusa.org/lotus/lotus_contents.asp)
Helpful Books
Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0415025370) by Paul Williams
Pure Land Buddhism
Description:
Pure Land Buddhism (traditional Chinese: 淨土宗), also sometimes referred to as Amidism, is currently one of the most popular schools of Buddhism in East Asia, along with Chán. One key concept behind Pure Land Buddhism is that Nirvana has become increasingly difficult to obtain through meditative practices. Pure Land Buddhism teaches that through devotion alone, to Amitābha Buddha, one will be reborn in the Pure Land, a perfect heavenly abode, in which enlightenment is guaranteed.
Webpage:
www.amtbweb.org (http://www.amtbweb.org/tchem001.htm)
Important Texts:
The Infinite Life Sutra (http://buddhistfaith.tripod.com/purelandscriptures/id2.html)
The Amitabha Sutra (http://www.drba.org/dharma/amitabhasutra.asp)
The Contemplation Sutra (http://www.fodian.net/english/contemplation_sutra.htm)
Helpful Books
River of Fire, River of Water (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385485115) by Taitetsu Unno
The Essential Shinran: A Buddhist Path of True Entrusting (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1933316217) by Alfred Bloom
Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism
Desscription:
Zen (Japanese: 禅; the Japanese translation for Chán), is notable for its emphasis on mindful acceptance of the present moment, spontaneous action, and letting go of self-conscious and judgmental thinking. It also emphasizes dharma practice and experiential wisdom — particularly as realized in the form of meditation known as zazen—in the attainment of awakening. As such, it de-emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and the study of religious texts in favor of direct individual assessment of one's own experience.
Webpage:
www.zenguide.com (http://www.zenguide.com)
Important Texts:
The Flower Sermon (http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~cgherb/lotus.html)
The Platform Sutra (http://www.angelfire.com/realm/bodhisattva/platform-sutra.html)
Helpful Books
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0767903692/) by Thich Nhat Hanh
An Introduction to Zen Buddhism (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130550) by D.T. Suzuki and Carl Jung
Tibetan Buddhism
Description:
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and the Himalayan regions, which include northern Nepal, Bhutan, India (Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Sikkim), Mongolia, Russia (Kalmykia, Buryatia and Tuva) and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). The ideal goal of spiritual development in Tibetan Buddhism is to achieve the enlightenment of Buddhahood in order to most efficiently help all other sentient beings attain this state.
Webpage:
www.dalailama.com (http://www.dalailama.com)
Important Texts:
The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra (The Heart Sutra) (http://www.rinpoche.com/heartsutra.htm)
The Diamond Sutra (http://www.diamond-sutra.com/diamond_sutra_text/page1.html)
The Lankavatara Sutra (http://lirs.ru/do/lanka_eng/lanka-nondiacritical.htm)
The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in 8000 Lines (http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/perfectionofwisdom.pdf)
Helpful Books
Words of My Perfect Teacher (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1570624127) by Patrul Rinpoche
Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767901576/) by Lama Surya Das
Nichiren Buddhism
Description:
Nichiren Buddhism (日蓮系諸宗派: Nichiren-kei sho shūha) is based on the teachings of the 13th century Japanese monk Nichiren (1222–1282). Nichiren Buddhism is a comprehensive term covering several major schools and many sub-schools, as well as several of Japan's new religions, and is generally noted for its focus on the Lotus Sutra, and an attendant belief that all people have an innate Buddha nature and are therefore inherently capable of attaining enlightenment in their current form and present lifetime.
Webpage:
nichiren-shu.org (http://nichiren-shu.org/index.html)
Important Texts:
Writngs of Nichiren (http://www.sgilibrary.org/writings.php)
The Lotus Sutra (http://lotus.nichirenshu.org/lotus/sutra/english/watson/indxwatson.htm)
The Nirvana Sutra (http://www.nirvanasutra.org.uk/)
Helpful Books
Nichiren, the Buddhist Prophet (http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=0-UXAAAAIAAJ) By Masaharu Anesaki
Letters of Nichiren (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0231103840) translated by Burton Watson
=======================
Introduction
Basic Teachings of All Schools:
The Four Noble Truths (http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.html)
The Noble Eightfold Path (http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html)
Theravada Buddhism
Description:
Theravada ("the Teaching of the Elders") is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka and most of continental Southeast Asia. In the Pali Canon discourses, the Buddha frequently instructs his disciples to practice anapanasati (mindfulness with breathing) as the base for samadhi (concentration) in order to establish and develop jhana (full concentration). Jhana is also the instrument used by the Buddha himself to penetrate the true nature of phenomena (through investigation and direct experience) and to reach Enlightenment.
Webpage:
www.accesstoinsight.net (http://www.accesstoinsight.net)
Important Texts:
The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn56/sn56.011.than.html)
The Satipatthana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.than.html)
The Maha-nidana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.15.0.than.html)
The Anatta-lakkhana Sutta (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.059.than.html)
Helpful Books
What the Buddha Taught (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130313) by Walpola Rahula
In the Buddha's Words (http://wisdompubs.org/Pages/display.lasso?-KeyValue=104) by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Mahayana Buddhism
Description:
Mahayana (Sanskrit: mahāyāna:महायान, "Great Vehicle") Buddhism is not a single group but a collection of Buddhist traditions: Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism are all forms of Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada and Mahayana are both rooted in the basic teachings of the historical Buddha, and both emphasize the search for liberation from the cycle of samsara (birth, aging, sickness, death, and rebirth).
Webpage:
www.buddhanet.net/l_maha (http://www.buddhanet.net/l_maha.htm)
Important Texts:
The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in 8000 Lines (http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/perfectionofwisdom.pdf)
The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra (The Heart Sutra) (http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/heartsutra-kumarajiva.pdf)
The Sutra on the White Lotus (The Lotus Sutra) (http://cttbusa.org/lotus/lotus_contents.asp)
Helpful Books
Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0415025370) by Paul Williams
Pure Land Buddhism
Description:
Pure Land Buddhism (traditional Chinese: 淨土宗), also sometimes referred to as Amidism, is currently one of the most popular schools of Buddhism in East Asia, along with Chán. One key concept behind Pure Land Buddhism is that Nirvana has become increasingly difficult to obtain through meditative practices. Pure Land Buddhism teaches that through devotion alone, to Amitābha Buddha, one will be reborn in the Pure Land, a perfect heavenly abode, in which enlightenment is guaranteed.
Webpage:
www.amtbweb.org (http://www.amtbweb.org/tchem001.htm)
Important Texts:
The Infinite Life Sutra (http://buddhistfaith.tripod.com/purelandscriptures/id2.html)
The Amitabha Sutra (http://www.drba.org/dharma/amitabhasutra.asp)
The Contemplation Sutra (http://www.fodian.net/english/contemplation_sutra.htm)
Helpful Books
River of Fire, River of Water (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385485115) by Taitetsu Unno
The Essential Shinran: A Buddhist Path of True Entrusting (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1933316217) by Alfred Bloom
Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism
Desscription:
Zen (Japanese: 禅; the Japanese translation for Chán), is notable for its emphasis on mindful acceptance of the present moment, spontaneous action, and letting go of self-conscious and judgmental thinking. It also emphasizes dharma practice and experiential wisdom — particularly as realized in the form of meditation known as zazen—in the attainment of awakening. As such, it de-emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and the study of religious texts in favor of direct individual assessment of one's own experience.
Webpage:
www.zenguide.com (http://www.zenguide.com)
Important Texts:
The Flower Sermon (http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~cgherb/lotus.html)
The Platform Sutra (http://www.angelfire.com/realm/bodhisattva/platform-sutra.html)
Helpful Books
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0767903692/) by Thich Nhat Hanh
An Introduction to Zen Buddhism (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130550) by D.T. Suzuki and Carl Jung
Tibetan Buddhism
Description:
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and the Himalayan regions, which include northern Nepal, Bhutan, India (Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Sikkim), Mongolia, Russia (Kalmykia, Buryatia and Tuva) and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). The ideal goal of spiritual development in Tibetan Buddhism is to achieve the enlightenment of Buddhahood in order to most efficiently help all other sentient beings attain this state.
Webpage:
www.dalailama.com (http://www.dalailama.com)
Important Texts:
The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra (The Heart Sutra) (http://www.rinpoche.com/heartsutra.htm)
The Diamond Sutra (http://www.diamond-sutra.com/diamond_sutra_text/page1.html)
The Lankavatara Sutra (http://lirs.ru/do/lanka_eng/lanka-nondiacritical.htm)
The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in 8000 Lines (http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/perfectionofwisdom.pdf)
Helpful Books
Words of My Perfect Teacher (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1570624127) by Patrul Rinpoche
Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767901576/) by Lama Surya Das
Nichiren Buddhism
Description:
Nichiren Buddhism (日蓮系諸宗派: Nichiren-kei sho shūha) is based on the teachings of the 13th century Japanese monk Nichiren (1222–1282). Nichiren Buddhism is a comprehensive term covering several major schools and many sub-schools, as well as several of Japan's new religions, and is generally noted for its focus on the Lotus Sutra, and an attendant belief that all people have an innate Buddha nature and are therefore inherently capable of attaining enlightenment in their current form and present lifetime.
Webpage:
nichiren-shu.org (http://nichiren-shu.org/index.html)
Important Texts:
Writngs of Nichiren (http://www.sgilibrary.org/writings.php)
The Lotus Sutra (http://lotus.nichirenshu.org/lotus/sutra/english/watson/indxwatson.htm)
The Nirvana Sutra (http://www.nirvanasutra.org.uk/)
Helpful Books
Nichiren, the Buddhist Prophet (http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=0-UXAAAAIAAJ) By Masaharu Anesaki
Letters of Nichiren (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0231103840) translated by Burton Watson