About Buddhism
Development of Buddhist beliefs
As Buddhism spread and encountered new cultures, it evolved into many new Buddhist schools. These schools all fall under one of three broad ‘vehicles’ or paths to enlightenment.
Theravada
Theravada refers to ‘the way of the elders’. It is considered by those in the Theravada tradition to be closest to the original teachings of the Buddha. Theravada is rooted in the tripitaka (the ‘three baskets’) also known as the Pali Canon. These are the three collections of Buddhist scriptures, which include:
- The Sutra, meaning the Buddha’s teachings
- The Vinaya, meaning the rules for monastic life
- The Abhidharma, meaning the scholarly analysis of the Buddha’s teaching.
The aim of Theravada practice is to become an Arhat (an enlightened being). As a ‘monastic’ practice, only monks and nuns can achieve this. Theravada practice involves meditation and self-discipline, leading to one’s own enlightenment. Modern day Theravada is most commonly practiced in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
Mahayana
Mahayana is thought to have emerged in India during the 1st century BCE. It became popular over the following centuries and spread north through the Silk Roads. Today, it is the most popular form of Buddhism, still practiced in China, Tibet, Japan, Korea and Mongolia.
The followers of the Mahayana interpret the path to enlightenment differently from Theravada. They still follow the teachings of the tripitaka, whilst also following a newer set of scriptures called the Mahayana Sutras. Mahayana followers aspire to be a Bodhisattva (enlightened being) and follow the Bodhisattva path. Central to this path is the idea of compassion (karuna), seeking enlightenment not just for one’s self but for all living beings first. The concept of emptiness (sunyata) supports this ethos, which means that all existing things depend on something else. Mahayana Buddhists are set apart by their devotion to the Buddha as an eternal or near-eternal being that exists beyond our world. They also look to celestial Bodhisattva figures who stand for the ideals of wisdom and compassion.
Mahayana monks practice a combination of study and meditation in the same way as Theravada monks, as well as selfless service. However, Mahayana also promoted the idea that anyone could also reach enlightenment, without the need to take up the monastic life.
Illustrated Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Pundarika Sutra in Sanskrit) is one of the most influential texts in Mahayana Buddhism. It was created sometime between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE, and was first translated into Chinese in the 3rd century CE. The main message of the Lotus Sutra is that all living beings can attain Buddhahood and reach nirvana. This message opens up the Buddhist path to all, and had not been established in any sutra before.
This illustrated booklet is a copy of Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra, or the Avalokitesvarasutra. It focusses on the bodhisattva (Buddhist deity) known as Avalokitesvara, who embodies the quality of compassion. He is usually portrayed helping human beings in their time of need, and this sutra depicts him rescuing people from various dangers, such as drowning or fires. In China, this bodhisattva is known as Guanyin, and takes a female form.
By the 9th and 10th-century Chapter 25 was commonly copied as a separate text, often in small booklets such as this one. Each page of this copy is illustrated and coloured with vibrant red pigment. It is one of thousands of copies of the Lotus Sutra found in the Mogao caves at Dunhuang, China.
Vajrayana
The Vajrayana is based on scriptures known as Tantras, which were circulating in India by the 6th century CE. It quickly spread from India and took root in Tibet and the Himalayan region.
The term Vajrayana translates to ‘Thunderbolt Vehicle’ or ‘Diamond Vehicle’. It describes a way of life and set of religious practices rather than an alternative set of beliefs. Vajrayana is an extension of Mahayana Buddhism, but Vajrayana sets itself apart by the belief that one can reach enlightenment in a single lifetime. Another belief of the Vajrayana is that it is not necessary to abandon objects of attachment. One can instead use tantric practices to transform that attachment into wisdom directly.
Vajrayana practice often involves rituals like reciting mantras and hand gestures called mudras. They also involve meditation and visualization, usually focused on a deity. Often, the deity is shown at the centre of a symmetrical design called a mandala.
Sketches of Mudras
This late-9th century illustrated scroll contains sketches of mudras. Mudras, meaning ‘seals’ or ‘signs’ in Sanskrit, are symbolic hand and finger gestures used in Buddhist art and in Buddhist practice. Particularly in Vajrayana Buddhism, mudras are used in rituals often in combination with mantras (chanting) and visualisation.
Each mudra is symbolic of a certain state of mind, Buddhist principle, or moment in the life of the Buddha. In Buddhist art, the Buddha and bodhisattvas are always depicted with their hands positioned in a mudra. These gestures can help the viewer to interpret and learn from the artwork. The mudras are drawn carefully, with occasional images of bodhisattvas in between. The scroll is most likely a reference text for monastic practitioners or artists, used as a guide for completing other paintings or performing rituals in the temple.
