Prompts

Two main branches of Buddhism. :: Theravāda and Mahāyāna

Mahāyāna means Great Vehicle.

What is Theravāda's ideal of enlightenment? :: Arhat ideal, focused on individual liberation.

What is Māhāyana's ideal of enlightenment? :: Bodhisattva ideal, focused on universal liberation.

What is Theravāda's view of the Buddha? :: Siddhartha Gautama is a unique teacher beyond reach.

What is Māhāyana's view of the Buddha? :: There are multiple Buddhas and bodhisattvas accessible to practitioners.

What are the scriptures of Theravāda? :: the Pāli Canon (Tipitaka)

What are the scriptures of Māhāyana? :: wide range of Sanskrit texts