12 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to World
Religions and Belief Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 10:
Mahayana Buddhism
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 10: Mahayana Buddhism
First Edition, 2020

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 12

Introduction to
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 10:
Mahayana Buddhism
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems -12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Mahayana Buddhism!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher
or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore,
this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the
module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems-12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Mahayana Buddhism!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
being an active learner.

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What I Need to Know module.

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check what you already know about the
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correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
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 This is a task which aims to evaluate your
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Assessment
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If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
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We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful

learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You
can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

Analyze the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of
Mahayana Buddhism (HUMSS_WRB12-II/IVc-10.1)

In module 9, you have learned what Theravada Buddhism is about, and how its followers'
belief of salvation is attained.
Another major Buddhist tradition is Mahayana Buddhism. In this module you will learn about
the tenets of Mahayana Buddhism and how it paved the way for the establishment and
development of a variety of Buddhist schools.

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the brief history, beliefs and practices and related issues of Mahayana
Buddhism.
2. Draws the insight from the acts of generosity of Tzu Chi Foundation that reflect the
core teaching of Mahayana.
3. Relate the Mahayana Buddhism to the teachings of your religion.

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 What I Know

TEST I:
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer in your notebook.
1. It is known as the Great Vehicle and arose in North India in the 3rd Century CE.
a. Theravada Buddhism c. Hinduism
b. Mahayana Buddhism d. Islam

2. Which of the following statements is NOT a belief of Mahayana Buddhism?

a. Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha Gautama is the only and most
divine Buddha.
b. Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha secretly taught key
principles to chosen people.
c. Mahayana Buddhists forwarded the concept that Siddhartha Gautama was
actually a benevolent celestial being, not just a mere human being
d. Mahayana Buddhists advanced the radical idea that Siddhartha Gautama
was NOT the only Buddha.

3. The key message of this Sutra is the Buddhahood.

a. Perfection of Wisdom c. Land of Bliss
b. Heart Sutra d. Lotus Sutra

4. The teaching of this Sutra is about the rebirth of the believers by repeatedly invoking
the name of Amitabha Buddha.
a. Perfection of Wisdom c. Land of Bliss
b. Heart Sutra d. Lotus Sutra

5. It is the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened.

a. Dharmakaya c. Bodhisattvas
b. Sambhogakaya d. Bodhicitta

6. How many bhumis must a bodhisattva pass before entering the so-called
“Buddhahood”?
a. 5 c. 15
b. 10 d. 20

7. It is a sect in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes that salvation is a personal matter,

and one cannot receive assistance from other entities.
a. The Pure Land Sect c. The Rationalist Sect
b. The Intuitive Sect d. The Socio-political Sect

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 8. He believed that other Buddhist Sects in Japan were corrupting the people
towards hell.
a. Mao Zedong c. Songstan Gampo
b. Nichiren Daishonin d. Dalai Lama

9. He was the Tibetan King who introduced Buddhism during his reign.
a. Mao Zedong c. Songstan Gampo
b. Nichiren Daishonin d. Dalai Lama

10. A Chinese leader who is the cause of the permanent exile of Dalai Lama in India.
a. Mao Zedong c. Songstan Gampo
b. Nichiren Daishonin d. Dalai Lama

What’s In
Before exploring the next major Buddhist sect- Mahayana Buddhism, let us first have
a short review of the previous modules’ lesson.
One of the concepts you have learned in Module 9 is about Theravada
Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths which contain the essence of the Buddha's teachings.
Match the correct noble truth to its definition/meaning. Write only the letter of the
correct answer in your notebook.

Noble Truths Meaning

1. The First Noble Truth (dukkha)

a. cessation of suffering
2. The Second Noble Truth (samodaya)
b. the truth of suffering
3. The Third Noble Truth (nirodha)
c. truth of the path to the cessation of
4. The Fourth Noble Truth (magga) suffering
d. the cause of suffering

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 What’s New

Believing itself as the more genuine version of

Buddha’s teachings, Mahayana Buddhism has diverged into
numerous schools with each developing its own canon and
rituals since its founding more than two thousand years ago.
Also known as the “Great Vehicle,” Mahayana Buddhism
emerged out of monastic rule and doctrinal differences within
the original form of Buddhism. While the two major
Buddhist schools of Mahayana and Theravada both
originated in the foundational teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama, their methods and search for liberation from https://www.google.com/search?q=mahayana+bud
dhism&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKE
the cycle of
reincarnation can be very different. They may be viewed as two different articulations of the
original principles of the historical Buddha. For example, in contrast to the Theravada school
of thought, Mayahana Buddhism aims to extend religious authority to a larger number of
people.
Not a single group but more of an assembly of Buddhist customs, Mahayana
Buddhism is widespread in China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. With its openness to
more traditional religious views, it has developed a wide appeal to common people and
gained tremendous ground in becoming one of the most successful missionary religions in the
world (Hopfe 1983).

What is It
MAHAYANA
BUDDHISM HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
A later development arose in north India that came
to be known as the Mahayana (lit. “Greater Vehicle”)
school. During the third century B.C.E., a number of
subtle variations began to take place in Buddhism at a
time when the Mauryan king Ashoka was propagating
Buddhist gospels through missionary efforts (Hopfe
1983). The Mahasamghika (“of the Great Sangha”), one
of the early Buddhist schools, may have been the source
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F2.zoppoz.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttps%2Ftak
for the initial growth of Mahayana Buddhism, especially enewyorktours.com%2Fchinatown-a-unique-neighborhood-
in-new-york-city%2Ftemple-mahayana- buddhists
during the “Second Buddhist Council” that occurred a %2F&psig=AOvVaw1uzj9HG7f44nfzterG7qhf&ust
=1597850779444000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQ
hundred jRxqFwoTCLD77pqIpesCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

4
years after Buddha’s parinirvana. Considered a historical event, a religious schism between
the Mahasamghika and Sthavira nikaya (“Sect of the Elders”), another major Buddhist
school, transpired during the said council. These new ideas eventually concretized resulting
in a new form of Buddhism quite different from the original teachings taught by Siddhartha
Gautama and to those accepted by Theravada Buddhists. In short, Mahayana Buddhism
practically became a new religion.
These new developments within the newfound Buddhist sect comprise a set of
differing notions pertaining to the original founder and great teacher Siddhartha Gautama
himself. Firstly, Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha secretly taught key principles
to chosen people, to his most dedicated disciples, or to the most faithful who could
completely interpret these teachings in time (Hopfe 1983; Losch 2001). Secondly, Mahayana
Buddhists forwarded the concept that Siddhartha Gautama was actually a benevolent celestial
being, not just a mere human being. Because of his love for humankind and zeal to help the
people, he came to our world in human form. Thirdly, Mahayana Buddhists advanced the
radical idea that Siddhartha Gautama was not the only Buddha. There were other divine
beings that came to our world even before Siddhartha, some of them came after him, and still
others will come in the future. Principally, these beings came to earth to help lessen people’s
sufferings and lead them to salvation. This unique concept impressed many followers because
they can now revere these beings, study their lives, construct temples, and develop an
innovative belief system replete with rituals and hymns, among others (Hopfe 1983).
Ironically, while Buddhism was being propagated and gaining support in other
countries even to the remotest places, it was steadily dying in India where it all started
because of the series of invasions destroyed numerous Buddhist centers and temples and the
rising tide of other religions in India like Islam, Hinduism and Jainism.

SACRED SCRIPTURES

Mahayana Buddhism has 2184 Sutras (sacred texts). The

most popular Mahayana Sutras are:

1) Lotus Sutra
Lotus Sutra is widely regarded as one of the most
important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of
Buddhism. In it, Shakyamuni expounds the ultimate truth of
life to which he was enlightened. The sutra’s key message is
that Buddhahood, the supreme state of life characterized by
boundless compassion, wisdom and courage, is inherent
within every person without distinction of gender, ethnicity,
social standing or intellectual ability.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2
The Lotus Sutra is a teaching that encourages an F%2Ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2FThe-Lotus-
Sutra%2Farticleshow%2F9694974.cms&psig=AOvVa
active engagement with mundane life and all its w2vZEc1GT1zqQbEJ78JqzDC&ust=15981846318320
00&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJj

5
challenges. Buddhahood is not an escape from these challenges but an inexhaustible source
of positive energy to grapple with and transform the sufferings and contradictions of life and
create happiness. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has written, the Lotus Sutra is ultimately a
teaching of empowerment. It “teaches us that the inner determination of an individual can
transform everything; it gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent
in each human life.

2) Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Prajna-paramita) -

Prajñāpāramitā refers to this perfected way of seeing the nature
of reality, as well as to a particular body of sutras and to the
personification of the concept in the Bodhisattva known as the
"Great Mother" (Tibetan: Yum Chenmo). The word
Prajñāpāramitā combines the Sanskrit words prajñā "wisdom"
with pāramitā "perfection". Prajñāpāramitā is a central https://www.learnreligions.com/the-
concept in prajnaparamita-sutras-450029

Mahāyāna Buddhism and is generally associated with the doctrine of emptiness (Shunyata) or
'lack of Svabhava' (essence) and the works of Nagarjuna. Its practice and understanding are
taken to be indispensable elements of the Bodhisattva path.

3) Heart Sutra - True to its title, this short sutra goes to

the heart of the doctrine it summarizes. In the space of a
single page (some versions adding an introductory and a
concluding paragraph), in words ascribed to the bodhisattva
(“buddha-to-be”) of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, the
Heart Sutra discusses the doctrine of “emptiness”
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2
(shunyata), which is the nature of reality. The process of Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHeart_Sutra&psig=AOvVa
w1gtznDNgEtRETxsb3jtpKX&ust=1598185947785000&s
death and rebirth (samsara),
the suffering (dukkha) that one experiences while knowing that one may die, the effects of
past actions (karma) that bind one to samsara, the skandhas that constitute a sense of
selfhood, the ephemeral and microscopic dharmas that constitute phenomenal reality—all are
revealed to be devoid of permanence, and thus “empty.” Awareness of such emptiness leads
to release (moksha) from samsara and to the wisdom that precedes enlightenment (bodhi).

4) "Land of Bliss" Sutra (Sukhavati) or “Pure Land of

Bliss” - According to followers of the Pure Land schools,
which are widespread throughout East Asia, rebirth in
Sukhavati is ensured by invoking the name of Amitabha,
particularly at the moment of death. According to the “larger”
of the Pure Land sutras, only men may be reborn in Sukhavati;
this teaching was repeated and adapted by some Buddhist
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3
groups as Pure Land teachings spread A%2F%2Fwww.buddhistdoor.net%2Ffeatures%2

from India into East Asia. However, some vernacular Buddhist writings, particularly in

6
East Asia, demonstrate a popular belief that women may also enter Sukhavati upon death.
Sukhavati is expressively described in the Pure Land sutras as being a joyous world,
soft and glowing, filled with the music of birds and the tinkling of trees adorned with
precious jewels and garlands of golden bells. Amitabha sits on a lotus in the midst of a
terraced pond, attended by the bodhisattvas (“buddhas-to-be”) Avalokiteshvara and
Mahasthamaprapta. The newly dead enter into lotus buds, which unfold when the occupants
have become entirely purified and have attained enlightenment. Many are said to be reborn
on Earth after leaving Sukhavati to become bodhisattvas working toward the liberation
(moksha) of all sentient beings.

BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES

Siddhartha Gautama, born in the fifth or sixth century C.E. in present-day Nepal, is
considered the historical Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. After he attained enlightenment at
the age of 35, he came to be known as Gautama Buddha and spent the rest of his life
preaching across India. He died at the age of 80.
The concept of trikaya (“three bodies”) pertains to the teaching of Mahayana
Buddhism about the nature of the Buddha and reality. In Mahayana Buddhism, this doctrine
states that each Buddha has three bodies, namely, dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and
nirmanakaya. The table below summarizes the nature of the three bodies of Buddha.

The dharmakaya is identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute and beyond
existence or non-existence. Everyone is capable of attaining this special place which is
beyond perceptual forms. As a body of bliss, the state of crossing point between the two
sambhogakaya is already enlightened but remains distinctive. Believed to be a
remuneration of one’s aggregated positive deeds, it serves as a other trikayas of Buddha.
Lastly, nirmanakaya is the physical body that undergoes birth, inhabits the world, and dies
in the end. The great teacher Siddhartha Gautama is an example of a Buddha in a state of
nirmanakaya.
For Mahayana Buddhists, Buddhas are not individuals who actually lived in this
world. In some ways, they are simply expressions of the one Buddha reality, such as that of
Siddhartha Gautama (Brown 1975). These great Buddhas are to be found in various heavens
enshrined together with other gods and saints. In China, Amitabha is a very popular Buddha.
In Japan, Vairocana is the great Buddha.

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Bodhisattvas
One distinct feature of Mahayana Buddhism concerns its
teaching about an enlightened being or bodhisattva (“enlightened
existence”) which is the ultimate way for any Buddhist to live in this
world. A bodhisattva has generated bodhicitta or the spontaneous
desire to achieve the state of being enlightened. The concept of
bodhicitta greatly differs between the two main schools of Buddhism.
Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have put off entering
paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment. There are many
different Bodhisattvas, but the most famous in China is
Avalokitesvara, known in Chinese as Guanyin.
Bodhisattvas are usually depicted as less austere or inward https://depts.washington.edu/
chinaciv/bud/5zmqbodf.jpg

than the Buddha. Renouncing their own salvation and immediate entrance into nirvana, they devote
all their power and energy to saving suffering beings in this world. As the deity of compassion,
Bodhisattvas are typically represented with precious jewelry, elegant garments and graceful postures.
Bhumis and Paramitas
Based on the Mahayana tradition, a bodhisattva must pass 10 Bhumis (“grounds” of “land”)
before attaining the so-called “Buddha-hood.” These are extensions of the “Eightfold Path” as
discussed in the previous lesson on Theravada Buddhism. The Bhumis are frequently associated with
the paramitas (“perfections”). Translated as “to cross over the other shore,” paramitas imply crossing
from the “sea of suffering” to the “shore of happiness.” One is lifted from the cycle of rebirth to
finally achieve liberation. While the first five paramitas are principally concerned with the
accumulation of merits, the sixth paramita involves the attainment of wisdom.
Several Mahayana texts identify 10 Bhumis, but many schools list their own path to
development. A boddhisattva vow is stated as “May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient
beings.” The 10 bhumis as lifted from Avatamsaka Sutra or “Flower Garland Sutra,” one of the most
influential sutra of Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia, are listed below:

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WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES
Buddhism integrates an assortment of religious practices and devotional rituals with
the objective of aiding worshippers in their journey toward enlightenment and in bringing
blessings to each and every one. In Buddhist temples, they pray and chant to pay their respect
to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Amitabha. They
also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay homage to these important divine beings.
Mahayana rituals can be quite elaborate with the addition of other disciples of Siddhartha
Gautama and important bodhisattvas. Worshippers also recite chants and undertake
pilgrimages to sites of Buddhist importance. Meditational activities are fundamental in almost
all popular forms of Buddhism. The lotus that symbolizes purity, the eight-spoke wheels that
represent the dharma, and the different hand gestures (mudras) are important symbols for
Mahayana Buddhism.

SUBDIVISIONS
Mahayana Buddhism consists of a variety of schools and family of religions.

1. The Pure Land Sect

Pure Land Buddhism began in India around the second century B.C.E., spread to
China by the second century C.E., and reached Japan around sixth century C.E. When
believers die, it is their objective to live in the “Pure Land of the West” or Sukhavati. By
simply reciting the name of the Amitabha with utmost attentiveness many times during the
day, they may be reborn in this paradise where they can work to achieve enlightenment much
easier. Amitabha, the god who supervises over a western paradise, is the focus of this sect.
Once in Sukhavati, people can experience the delight in hearing Amitabha teach the dharma
in preparation for their entry to nirvana. Aside from meditations, this Buddhist sect utilizes
chants and recitations to focus on helpful thoughts (Losch 2001).

2. The Intuitive Sects

The intuitive sects emphasize that salvation is a personal matter and one cannot
receive assistance from other entities, such as another person or institution, to realize the
inner truths of religion. In short, most elements of religion—from scriptures, temples, statues,
prayers, and rituals—are not essential to achieve enlightenment. An individual may be
spiritually enlightened by a sudden spark of insight, either through meditation or even by
accident, beyond words or thoughts. Modern European thinkers have been attracted to Zen
Buddhism because of its concept on simplicity and intuitive inspiration (Brown 1975).

3. The Rationalist Sect

A rationalist Buddhist school of thought called T’ien-t’ai emerged around the sixth
century C.E. with its name originating from a mountain in southeastern China where its
founder Chih-I or Zhiyi lived. Chih-I emphasized that acts of studying and

9
contemplation were both vital for spiritual enlightenment. Apart from instructions on the
scriptures and silent meditation, other means to reach this goal include mystical communion
with the eternal, ascetic discipline, meritorious deeds, and simple faith in the mercy of the
Buddha (Jurji 1946).

4. The Socio-political Sect

A Japanese Buddhist monk by the name of Nichiren Daishonin who lived during the
thirteenth century during the Kamakura period began to teach that the path towards attaining
enlightenment rested solely on the devotion to the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren (“sun lotus”)
Buddhism, which is purely a Japanese phenomenon, perceives itself as the only rightful
version of Buddhism.
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that individuals must take responsibility to enhance
themselves, or what is called “human revolution,” and, in turn, to improve the world’s lot.
Enlightenment is accessible to every individual on earth simply by opening one’s inherent
Buddha-nature in this world. A scripture scholar and an activist, Nichiren himself is
considered a Buddha.
Nichiren taught that he alone understood Buddhist truths. He believed that other
Buddhist sects in Japan were corrupting the people towards hell.

5. Tibetan Buddhism
Buddhism was officially introduced into Tibet around the seventh century C.E. during
the reign of Songtsan Gampo, considered the founder of the Tibetan Empire. He was
influenced by his Chinese and Indian wives who were both Buddhist followers. Buddhism
became a dominant force in the region toward the end of the eight century
C.E. when the king Trisong Detsen decreed it as the official state religion. Tibetan Buddhism
is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was conquered by the Chinese. At
one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men were Buddhist monks.
Tibetan Buddhism is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was
conquered by the Chinese. At one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men were Buddhist
monks.
The best known face of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile
in India since he fled Chinese occupation of his country in 1959.
Tibetan Buddhism combines the essential teachings of Mahayana Buddhism with
Tantric and Shamanic, and material from an ancient Tibetan religion called Bon. Although
Tibetan Buddhism is often thought to be identical with Vajrayana Buddhism, they are not
identical - Vajrayana is taught in Tibetan Buddhism together with the other vehicles.

10
SELECTED ISSUES
Tibet Invasion
For centuries, both China and India have been claiming Tibet as part of their
territories. Tibet practically enjoyed some degree of independence as none of the claimants
pressed their claim. In 1950, however, China annexed Tibet and negotiated the so-called
“Seventeen Point Agreement” with the government of the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Rejected
repeatedly by the Dalai Lama, this document confirmed China’s authority over Tibet, but the
area was granted autonomy. In 1959, the Dalai Lama failed in his bid to oust China’s puppet
rule as the Tibetan uprising was defeated by the more powerful Chinese force. The Dalai
Lama, together with his followers escaped to India, and are now living there as refugees.
With the implementation of Mao Zedong’s “Great Leap Forward” from 1958 to 1961, or
China’s socio-economic campaign to transform the country into a socialist society, between
200,000 to 1,000,000 Tibetans tragically met their death. During Mao Zedong’s “Cultural
Revolution,” a socio-political movement from 1966 to 1976 aimed at eliminating capitalism
and traditionalism from China, around 6,000 monasteries were destroyed. Tragically, China’s
occupation of Tibet has led to countless deaths of many Buddhist monks, nuns, and laiety
who wished to continue their religious practices in their native land (Douglas 2007).
From 1959 to 1977, almost all elements of Tibetan Buddhism were obliterated. While
many hundred thousand Tibetans were killed, others were driven to exile. Presently, the Dalai
Lama has been continuously visiting other countries preaching a message of hope and peace.
He has been given numerous citations for various international advocacies and teaching
activities, such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1959), Nobel
Peace Prize (1989), U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (2007), and Templeton Prize (2012).
Engaged Activism
Ritual suicides led by Buddhist monks have transpired in the twentieth century as a
form of protest to governmental actions. For example, a crisis occurred between Buddhists
and the South Vietnamese government led by Ngo Dinh Diem in the 1960s that had
tremendous effect in politics, militancy, and religious tolerance (Braswell 1994). As a result
of persecutions undertaken by the government against Buddhists, monks began to lambast the
regime that eventually resulted in the self-immolation of Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese
Mayahana Buddhist monk. He voluntarily burned himself to death in a busy Saigon road
intersection in 1963. Later on, several other monks followed his example. The regime tried in
vain to suppress Buddhist resistance through massive retaliation and nation-wide assaults in
Buddhist pagodas. Temples were defaced, monks were beaten, and Quanc Duc’s cremated
remains were confiscated. Eventually, the regime lost support from the US and an army coup
brought down Diem. Amid religious protests and non-violent struggle, Diem was
assassinated in 1963.

11
 In Japan, a militant and missionary form of Buddhism was founded in 1930 called the
Soka Gakkai, a religious movement based on the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. During the
Second World War, the group temporarily disbanded only to emerge mightily after the war.
After its hiatus, the members of this group grew rapidly while employing hard-line and
contentious recruitment methods, including coercion, fear, intimidation, and the use of
threats. A political party was even formed by Soka Gakkai, the Komeito, that became the
third most powerful in Japan.

A Great Insight into the Charity of Tzu Chi

By Buddhist door International Brenda Leung Twitter

You may, or may not, have heard of the Tzu
Chi organization?
Tzu Chi is a low-key Buddhist organization
founded in Taiwan in a simple and modest manner by a
Buddhist nun named Cheng Yen with 30 volunteer
followers in 1966. Today, the Tzu Chi organization has
grown and developed into what has become the world’s
largest Chinese non-government https://bit.ly/33Y9bZT
organization with operations in over 40 countries and 10 million volunteers! That is a
remarkable achievement in expansion over 45 years of service dedicated to helping others
around the world. Tzu Chi has built seven hospitals, 100 schools, a university; and it
currently runs the largest bone marrow bank in Asia. It was one of the first NGOs to aid the
victims of the Katrina Hurricane damage in the US (2005), and quickly mobilized teams and
supplies after the tsunamis in Asia (2004/2011) and the Sichuan earthquake in China (2008).
All these great works have sprung from Master Cheng Yen’s pioneered vision of “humanist
Buddhism”, a mission to transform traditional monastery Buddhist practices into
Bodhisattvas’ acts to benefit people all over the world.
Tzu Chi is an exceptional NGO not only because of its size and scope of services all
over the world, but also because of its efficient management style and philosophy to evoke
the compassion in every human being. According to O’Neill, Tzu Chi is run like a multi-
national company to ensure effective use of money and thus has earned the trust from donors
and patrons all over the world with annual donations of
$300 million and an endowment of over $780 million. Moreover, the aid materials are
delivered person-to-person by Tzu Chi members as Master Cheng Yen believes that this will
bring as much blessing to the donors and to the recipients, and more importantly, will spread
the seeds of love to the suffering people. It is therefore no surprise to find the Tzu Chi
members in white and blue uniforms helping out in natural disasters or battle zones in various
corners of the globe. Master Cheng Yen believes that we are all capable to take the
Bodhisattva vows and practice the Buddhist teachings by working to ease the suffering of
others.
Tzu Chi demonstrates the Bodhisattva’s ideals in its actions and illuminates universal
love for all sentient beings in our daily life. As O’Neill says, “it (Tzu Chi) gives aids to
everyone, regardless of race or color, and welcomes people of every belief. It sees the world
as one family and everyone who is suffering as worthy of help”, and that “this is Buddhism
is action, not a religion confined to temples and monasteries.”

The Tzu Chi organization is a life-teaching example of Buddhism in action.

12
 What’s More

Instruction: Briefly describe the four popular Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism using the graphic
organizer below. Do this in your notebook.

The Four Famous

Sutras in Mahayana
Buddhism

What I Have Learned

Direction: Answer the following questions in your activity notebook.

1. What is the importance of the Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism?

2. Why is Siddhartha Gautama considered as an example of a Buddha in a state of
nirmanakaya.
3, What is bodhisattva and how is it related to buddha-hood?
4. Why did Thich Quang Duc burn himself?
5. How does Mahayana Buddhism spread in Tibet?

13
 What I Can Do

https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/wp-
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F2.zoppoz.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fmyhero.com
content/uploads/2017/03/adult-1807526_1920.jpg %2FJ_Paul2_dnhs_US_2011&psig=AOvVaw1UR0gOISeqfvVRQm1
BSF9e&ust=1598544348594000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAI
QjRxqFwoTCMCRnYKguesCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

Instructions: Answer the questions below and write it in your activity notebook. (5pts each)
1. Look at the pictures above, how do you feel upon looking at the pictures?
Explain.
2. As a Christian, do you think that the teachings of Buddhism are also applicable to you
to become a better person? Explain and cite an example.

Assessment

TEST I: Identify the following statements. Write your answers in your activity notebook.
1. It is known as the Great Vehicle and arose in North India in the 3rd Century CE.
2. This sutra refers to the perfected way of seeing the nature of reality.
3. The key message of this Sutra is the Buddhahood.
4. The teaching of this Sutra is about the rebirth of the believers by repeatedly invoking
the name of Amitabha Buddha.
5. It is the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened.
6. How many bhumis must a bodhisattva pass before entering the so-called
“Buddhahood”?
7. It is a sect in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes that salvation is a personal matter
and one cannot receive assistance from other entities.
8. He believed that other Buddhist Sects in Japan were corrupting the people towards
hell.
9. He was the Tibetan King who introduced Buddhism during his reign.
10. A Chinese leader who is the cause of the permanent exile of Dalai Lama in India.

14
 Additional Activities

Copy the data retrieval chart below in your notebook. Afterwards, complete the needed
information about Tzu Chi Organization.

TZU CHI FOUNDATION

Founder

Year Founded

Achievements

Organization’s Vision

How does the acts of generosity of Tzu Chi

Foundation reflect the core teaching of
Mahayana?

15
 Furthermore, Tzu Chi dem generosity of
onstrates the a Bodhisattva vows and Buddhist teachings’ practices.
acts of
beings in this world, which is one of
Tzu Chi members devote all their power and energy to saving suffering How does the

acts to benefit people all over the world.

ractices in
to Bodhisattvas’ Humanist Buddhism”, a mission to transform traditional monastery Buddhist p Vision
Organization’s

004/201earthquake
1) and the Sichu an (2008).
in China
and quickly mobilized teams and supplies after the tsunamis in Asia (2 ,
amage in the U S (2005)
It was one of the first NGOs to aid the victims of the Katrina Hurricane d 
marrow bank in Asia.
ntly runs the largest bone
Tzu Chi has built seven hospitals, 100 schools, a university; and it curre 
organiza tion with operatio nscountries
in o ver and 10 million volunteers
40
the world’s largest Chinese non-government It has become
Achievements
1966 Year Founded
Glossary

Parinirvana - is commonly used to refer to nirvana-after-death, which occurs upon the

death of someone who has attained nirvana during his or her lifetime.

Buddahood - means enlightenment, enlightened to the true nature and potential of life.

Sutra - in Indian literary traditions refers to an aphorism or a collection of aphorisms in the

form of a manual or, more broadly, a condensed manual or text.

Amitabha - the great saviour buddha.

Sukhāvatī, - refers to the western pure land of Amitābha in Mahayana Buddhism. The
Sanskrit sukhavatī (sukhāvatī) is the feminine form of sukhāvat ("full of joy;
blissful"),[1][2] from sukha ("delight, joy") and -vat ("full of").

Trikaya - the concept of the three bodies, or modes of being, of the Buddha.

Bodhisattva - a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion
in order to save suffering beings.

1.
Nirvana - a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self,
and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and
16
rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.

17
References

Books
Jerome A. Ong and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, Vibal Group Introduction to
World Religions and Belief Systems

Internet Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sukhavati
https://www.ancient.eu/Mahayana_Buddhism/
http://factsanddetails.com/asian/cat64/sub416/entry- 5665.html#:~:text=Mahayana%20Main
%20scriptures%3A%20Sutras%20(sacred,%2 C%20emptiness%2C%20and%20Ultimate%20Reality.
https://www.sgi.org/about-us/buddhist-lineage/lotus-sutra.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita#:~:text=Praj%C3%B1%C4%81p%C4%8 1ramit
%C4%81%20means%20%22the%20Perfection%20of,(Tibetan%3A%20Yum
%20Chenmo). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Sutra
https://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/bud/5imgbodd.htm#:~:text=others%20attain%
20enlightenment,Bodhisattvas%20are%20enlightened%20beings%20who%20have
%20put%20off%20entering%20paradise,or%20inward%20than%20the%20Buddha.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/tibetan_1.shtml
Leung, Brenda. “A Great Insight into the Charity of Tzu Chi.” Buddhistdoor.net
https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/a-great-insight-into-the-charity-of-tzu-chi.
(accessed October 15, 2020).

18
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: [email protected] Website:
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