The Three Schools of Buddhism: Intro

Doug Smith, the study director at the Secular Buddhist Association, introduces the topic of the three major schools of Buddhism and their contemporary practices. He encourages viewers to subscribe for content on living a wiser, kinder, and less stressful life. Smith emphasizes the importance of understanding different Buddhist practices and finding the right approach for oneself. He also invites viewers to share their experiences with the schools discussed, acknowledging the vastness and diversity of Buddhism.

The first major school discussed is Teravada Buddhism, prevalent in Southeast Asia and now in the West, known for its mindfulness or insight practices. Teravada is characterized by a lack of devotional rituals, minimal use of incense and bells, and a less hierarchical structure. The focus is on rational and conceptual clarity, drawing heavily from the Pali Canon and later interpreters. The goal is to become awakened, aiming for the state of an arahant, with less emphasis on concepts like Buddha nature, non-duality, and emptiness.

Mahayana Buddhism is the second school, encompassing practices like Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. This school is more devotional and ritualistic, often involving mantras and the use of incense, bells, and robes. The practice is more aestheticized and hierarchical, with a focus on devotion to Amitabha Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism. Mahayana texts, written later than the Pali Canon, are central to the teachings, and there is a significant emphasis on the historical Buddha and the concept of Buddha nature.

Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the Thunderbolt Vehicle, is the third school, often associated with Tibetan Buddhism. It is intensely guru-based and hierarchical, requiring a personal teacher for practice. Vajrayana involves complex visualizations, rituals, and the use of mantras and mudras. The texts used are from a later period or from the gurus themselves, focusing on powerful and potentially dangerous practices. The aim is to become a bodhisattva, emphasizing compassion and the vow to help others across lifetimes.

Secular Buddhism is briefly introduced as a practice related to early Buddhist or Theravada practices, focusing on less ritualistic and more practical aspects of Buddhism. It pulls from Zen practices as well, emphasizing meditation and practice over doctrines. Secular Buddhism aims to adapt Buddhist teachings to a modern, secular context, making them accessible and relevant to contemporary life. Smith invites viewers to share their experiences and thoughts on the schools discussed, acknowledging the complexity and depth of Buddhist traditions.