Buddhism Basics: Theravada and Mahayana

In this series we will look at foundational concepts of the major schools of Buddhism. In the earlier Theravada tradition, we will examine the concepts of suffering, enlightenment, and nirvana. In the Mahayana tradition, we will examine sunyata (emptiness) the bodhisattva and bodhicitta. If you want to explore some of the deep, profound insights of Buddhism, this course is for you. Have input as the course is being developed. Go to michaelmckimmy.com with your questions and suggestions.

Instructor: Michael McKimmy, PhD, psychotherapist and co-director of the Center for Contemporary Spirituality.

These two terms are not without their problems. Theravada is actually a Sri Lankan term, I choose it as opposed to "Hinayana," which has the pejorative sense of "lesser vehicle" as opposed to the Mahayana, or "Greater Vehicle." What we call Theravada refers mainly to the earliest sutras after the death of the Buddha and an accent on the psychological experience of enlightenment.

With Mahayana we refer to a stream of reforms beginning in India in which the concern moves from individual enlightenment to the enlightenment of all sentient beings, an ethical concern. It is a reform reacting to a growing elitism in Buddhism.

It will aid me greatly to know some of your interests and questions as I make the final preparations for the course. Please take a moment and write me.

Within the next several weeks, I will post a short bibliography. Thank you for your interest, and visiting the site. Also, you might find the following link helpful::

www.buddhanet.org