Buddhism

Schools of Buddhism and Local Culture

Theravada is the main Buddhist tradition in southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka. However, Mahayana is dominant in east Asia and Vajrayana in the Himalayas. The various schools of Buddhism also are found in the West. In Australia, the Mahayana tradition has the most Buddhist followers. Distinctively, Theravada means the Teaching of the Elders and is regarded by its adherents as being the pristine form of Buddhism. Its Pali Canon, “Tipitaka” (Three Baskets), is organized into three sections: Vinaya (monastic discipline), Sutta (discourses of the Buddha), and Abhidhamma (special teachings).

The goal of a Theravada Buddhism is to be “arahat” or enlightened. The quickest way to achieve this state is by being a bhikkhu, who keeps 227 precepts or Buddhist ethical conduct. He also dedicates his life to Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, however, people generally aspire to make as much “merit” as possible so they can achieve a better rebirth. Merit can be gained by listening to the Buddha's teachings and by making offerings to monks. The most meritorious gesture one can make is to become an ordained monk, which will ensure his parents’ rebirth in heaven. In Buddhist doctrine, the highest stage is not to be reborn or to achieve enlightenment. The practice of Buddhism in Thailand co-exists with the belief in animism. In the compound of Thai houses and monastery, spirit houses exist to protect its inhabitants.

Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the “bodhisatta-path,” or the way to attain perfect Buddhahood or full enlightenment for one's self and for countless beings. In addition to Maitreya or future Buddha-that is accepted by Theravada Buddhists as a bodhisattva or buddha-there are other bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, for example, Avalokitesvara, Tara, Manjusri, and Ksitigarbha. In Buddhist history, the most venerated and popular bodhisatta is Avalokitesvara, which embodies compassion.

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