Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
SAN ILDEFONSO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, San Ildefonso, Bulacan

IWRBS
QUARTER 2 - WEEK 2

Analyze the Core Teachings, Fundamental Beliefs,

and Related Issues of Mahayana Buddhism

Mrs. Laarni Mujeres Peregrin

Teacher

Harvey V. Garica
Student

ANSWER SHEET
 Pre-Test Reviewing Previous Lesson:
1. Mahayana ➢ How does Buddhism view about love?
2. Mahasamghika
3. Siddhartha Buddhism views love (maitri in Sanskrit, metta in Pali) as an important
4. Sanskrit aspect of spiritual development and encourages its cultivation as part of the path to
5. Lotus Sutra enlightenment. Love is seen as a form of compassion and as a way to develop
6. Lotus Sutra positive states of mind and connect with others in a harmonious way. The
7. Sutra Buddhist practice of loving-kindness meditation (metta bhavana) involves
8. Trikaya developing feelings of love and kindness towards oneself, loved ones, friends,
9. Dharmakaya neutral persons, difficult persons, and all beings. This practice helps to cultivate a
10. Sambhogakaya heart that is open and free from ill will and is seen as a way to help one overcome
11. Nirmanakaya negative emotions and attain inner peace. In Buddhism, love is seen as a way to
12. Avalokiteshvara create a more peaceful and harmonious world, and to help individuals overcome
13. Manjushri the suffering that is inherent in existence.
14. Samanthabhadra
15. Madhyamika

B. PRESENTING NEW LESSON

Complete the Concept Map below by writing down the Sacred Scriptures, Worship and Observances and Beliefs
and Doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism

Sacred Scriptures Worship and Observances

Lotus Sutra Meditation and mindfulness practices.
(Saddharmapundarika-sutra) Chanting of Buddhist scriptures and mantras,
Heart Sutra (Prajnaparamita- such as the Heart Sutra, Lotus Sutra and the
hrdaya-sutra) Mantra of Compassion (Om Mani Padme Hum).
Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedika- Prostration and making offerings to the Buddha,
sutra) bodhisattvas and other deities.
Avatamsaka Sutra (Garland Building and maintaining Buddhist temples and
Sutra) shrines.
Vimalakirti Sutra Participating in religious festivals and
Golden Light Sutra celebrations, such as the birthday of the Buddha,
(Suvarṇaprabhāsottama Sūtra) Bodhi Day and Vesak.
Surangama Sutra (Lan Ding Making pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites, such
Men Shu) as the Mahabodhi Temple in India, Mount Wutai
Shurangama Mantra in China, and other sacred places.
The Sutra of the Wise and the Using prayer beads, incense and other ritual
Foolish (Bhadrakalpika Sutra) objects during worship.
The Sutra of the Great Performing acts of charity and compassion, such
Compassionate One as donating to the poor and helping those in
(Mahakaruna Sutra) need.
Beliefs and Doctrines
Bodhisattva Ideal: The goal of a Mahayana Buddhist is to attain enlightenment not just for themselves but
also for all beings. They strive to become a bodhisattva, a being who has delayed their own enlightenment to
help others reach it.
Universal Enlightenment: Mahayana Buddhism teaches that all beings have the potential to achieve
enlightenment, not just monastics or those on a spiritual path.
Emptiness: Mahayana Buddhism embraces the doctrine of "shunyata" or emptiness, which states that all
things are devoid of inherent existence.
Three Bodies of the Buddha: Mahayana Buddhism recognizes three bodies or aspects of the Buddha -
Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya.
Compassion: Compassion is a central aspect of Mahayana Buddhism and is seen as a key means of achieving
enlightenment.
Skillful Means: Mahayana Buddhism recognizes that different beings require different approaches to achieve
enlightenment, and therefore encourages the use of "skillful means" to reach individuals where they are.
The Lotus Sutra: The Lotus Sutra is considered one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, and
teaches that all beings have the potential to become a Buddha.
The Bodhisattva Path: The bodhisattva path is the path of the bodhisattva, which involves taking vows to help
others reach enlightenment, following ethical and moral principles, and developing wisdom and compassion.

C. INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES:
1. ACTIVITY A
➢ Why is Mahayana Buddhism appealing to a vast majority of followers?

Mahayana Buddhism is appealing to a vast majority of followers for several reasons:

1. Emphasis on Compassion: Mahayana Buddhism places a strong emphasis on compassion and altruism,
which resonates with many people's desire to help others and make a positive impact in the world.
2. Path to Enlightenment: Mahayana Buddhism offers a path to enlightenment that is accessible to all,
regardless of their background or social status, which makes it appealing to a broad range of people.
3. Bodhisattva Ideal: The bodhisattva ideal, which is a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes
the importance of helping others achieve enlightenment and represents a path to spiritual fulfillment that is
both altruistic and achievable.
4. Flexibility: Mahayana Buddhism is known for its flexibility and adaptability, which has allowed it to
evolve and grow to meet the changing needs of its followers.
5. Wide Range of Practices and Traditions: Mahayana Buddhism offers a wide range of practices and
traditions, from meditation and mantra recitation to visualization and devotion, which allows people to
choose the practices that best resonate with their individual needs and goals.
6. Cultural Influence: The spread of Mahayana Buddhism to East Asia and beyond has also played a role in
its appeal, as it has become an integral part of the culture and history of many countries and has helped to
shape the spiritual and cultural landscape of these regions.
➢ What became the new teachings of the Mahayana sect that became popular and appealing to common
people?

The Mahayana sect of Buddhism introduced the concept of "Bodhisattva" - a being who seeks to attain
ultimate enlightenment not just for themselves but for all sentient beings. This idea resonated with common
people as it emphasized compassion and altruism over personal enlightenment, making Buddhism more
accessible and relevant to their daily lives. Additionally, the Mahayana also introduced new sutras, such as the
Lotus Sutra, which emphasized the potential of all beings to achieve enlightenment, regardless of their social
status.

2. ACTIVITY B
➢ What is the importance of the Lotus Sutra in the Mahayana sect of Buddhism?

The Lotus Sutra is considered an important scripture in the Mahayana sect of Buddhism as it contains
teachings and stories that emphasize the universality of the Buddha's teachings and the potential for all beings
to achieve enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra also introduced the idea of the "One Vehicle" or "Ekayana," which
asserts that all beings can achieve enlightenment through the Lotus Sutra, regardless of their background or
abilities.

3. ACTIVITY C
➢ In what way did Mahayana Buddhism influence religious development in China and Japan?
Mahayana Buddhism had a significant impact on the religious development in China and Japan. In China,
Mahayana Buddhism was one of the major religious traditions that helped shape Chinese culture and influenced the
development of Chinese philosophy, art, and literature. The introduction of Mahayana ideas such as the bodhisattva
ideal and the Lotus Sutra helped to broaden the scope of Buddhist teachings, making them more accessible and
relevant to the everyday lives of the Chinese people.

In Japan, Mahayana Buddhism played a major role in the development of Japanese culture and society. The
introduction of Mahayana ideas helped to reshape Japanese Buddhism, leading to the development of new sects and
schools, such as Pure Land and Zen. These sects placed a strong emphasis on devotion, meditation, and the pursuit
of enlightenment for all beings, and helped to establish Buddhism as a major religious force in Japan.

In both China and Japan, Mahayana Buddhism has had a lasting impact on the cultural, philosophical, and religious
development of these countries, and continues to be an important and influential tradition in the region.
➢ What aspects of Mahayana Buddhism could make it more appealing than Theravada Buddhism?

There are several aspects of Mahayana Buddhism that make it more appealing to some people than Theravada
Buddhism:
1. Emphasis on compassion and altruism: Mahayana Buddhism places a strong emphasis on the bodhisattva ideal,
which encourages individuals to work towards the enlightenment of all beings, rather than just themselves. This
emphasis on compassion and altruism makes Mahayana Buddhism more appealing to people who value
selflessness and community.
2. Universal accessibility: The Mahayana tradition asserts that all beings have the potential to achieve
enlightenment, regardless of their background or abilities. This idea is more appealing to people who feel that
religious teachings should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few.
3. A broader scope of teachings: The Mahayana tradition includes a wider range of texts and teachings, including
the Lotus Sutra, which provides a more comprehensive view of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. This can
make Mahayana Buddhism more appealing to those who are seeking a more diverse and nuanced understanding
of Buddhist teachings.
4. Emphasis on devotion: Some sects of Mahayana Buddhism, such as Pure Land, place a strong emphasis on
devotion to Amitabha Buddha, which can be appealing to people seeking a more devotional and experiential
approach to spirituality.

4. ACTIVITY D
Activity: Make a Comparison of Mahayana Buddhism from
Theravada Buddhism by completing the table below:

View on Siddharta
Gautama or Buddha

MAHAYANA
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha is viewed as a supremely enlightened being who has achieved a state of
perfect knowledge, compassion, and wisdom. The Buddha is also seen as a teacher who has shown the way to
enlightenment and can help others to achieve the same state.

THERAVADA
In Theravada Buddhism, the Buddha is viewed as a historical figure who lived in ancient India and achieved a
state of complete enlightenment through his own efforts. The Buddha is revered as a teacher who showed the
way to liberation from suffering and the attainment of peace, and his teachings and examples are considered
the cornerstone of the Theravada tradition.
D. GENERALIZATION
➢ What is the difference between Dharmakaya and Sambhogakaya?

The Dharmakaya represents the ultimate and absolute nature of the Buddha, while the Sambhogakaya
represents the active, compassionate manifestation of the Buddha's wisdom and compassion in the world.
These two aspects of the Buddha are seen as complementary, representing different aspects of the same
ultimate reality.

E. REFELCTION
➢ When it is the right time to meditate, in Mahayana Buddhism?

In Mahayana Buddhism, there is no specific time that is considered to be the "right" time to meditate. The
practice of meditation can be done at any time and can be integrated into one's daily life, whether it be in the
morning, afternoon, or evening.
Some people prefer to meditate in the morning as a way to start their day with a clear and calm mind, while
others prefer to meditate in the evening as a way to wind down from their day and cultivate inner peace before
going to sleep.
Ultimately, the best time to meditate will depend on the individual's personal schedule and preferences. The
most important thing is to establish a regular meditation practice and to maintain a consistent and disciplined
approach to the practice, regardless of the time of day.

Assessment Enrichment Activities

1. T The purpose of the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine is to provide a path towards
2. T enlightenment and ultimate liberation from suffering. It aims to offer a teaching that is
3. T accessible to all beings, regardless of their background or level of spiritual development.
4. F The central goal of Mahayana Buddhism is the attainment of Buddhahood, which is
5. T understood as a state of complete enlightenment and compassion for all sentient beings.
6. F
7. F
8. T
9. T
10. T
11. T
12. F
13. T
14. T
15. F