New Years Eve 2010

Well 10 years ago we were all worried about Y2K. Now some are worried about 2012 and the Mayan Calender’s end of the world. If we make it though 2012, I believe 2016, 2034 and 2047 are the next few up as far as the end of the world predictions. As a Buddhist I don’t fret about these, for I’m living in the moment, not concerned what may or may not happen in a few years. This does not mean that I don’t plan for the future or prepare for it. It is just that my main focus is on the here and now. Just as a professor or a monk prepares for an upcoming speech, so too must we prepare for tomorrow. I read somewhere back in the Y2K era that there had been over 200 different years predicted as the end of the world already. I’ll be out with some friends, to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoying good conversation, followed by watching the fireworks at midnight. I’ll be one of those waking up bright eyed and feeling great, unlike a large majority who will over indulge tonight. So to all may you enjoy peace, and good fellowship tonight. I am looking forward to further adventures or misadventures in blogging next year.

Theravada and Mahayana

I’m not quite sure how to describe the differences with out making any errors, so will link the resources I am making use of while I ponder, before posting more in the future. The second link is a nice table presentation. The third looks at Buddhism from a Theravada perspective from Myanmar or Burma.

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/schools1.htm

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot02.htm

http://www.usamyanmar.net/Buddha/Article/Theravada%20Vs%20Mahayana.pdf

Theravada and Mahayana diverge

As in yesterdays blog the quotes are from The Enlightenment Sutra with Annotation.

In the Theravada lineage Arathatship is the goal for a Buddhist to strive for, where as in the Mahayana, they strive to become Buddhas, or at least a Bhodhisattva.

The Arahat is trying to achieve enlightenment for himself, as quickly as possible. A Bodhisattva is seeking wisdom to become enlightened himself, but wants to bring everone else with him to enlightenment.

In the Theravada approach there are no prayers, no rites, no ceremonies, where as all exist in the Mahayana. The Theravada considers these to be hindrances, where as the Mahayana depends on them as stepping stones.

I am going to stop with the book and do more reading on Theravada and Mahayana, their similarities and differences.