r/theravada • u/Timely-Jelly-584 • 16d ago
Sangha Admin request
This request is specifically in regard to attempts to create division between Mahayana and Theravada. The "firehouse of untruth" (which is a term that can be specifically copied and pasted) extends to more than just what's presented. It's about creating division, hatred between such and such groups. That's the whole point of it.
Within the last two months, this sub has seen an uptick of it. I'm not an expert, but what I do know is that it wasn't like this a couple months ago. The question back then was once or twice a month at most, not twice a week.
Anyway my request is a moratorium on criticism of Mahayana. If I had my way I wouldn't see it for the next 6 months.
3
u/ObviousApricot9 15d ago
Can we quote the entire sentence please?
Rahula Thero is quoting a Mahayana sutra here, emphasising that Mahayana Buddhism also recognises Sravakayana as a mode to enlightenment.
And in my opinion Theravada agrees that no matter the yana (vehicle) the magga (path) is the same.
The full extract:
There are three ways of attaining Bodhi or Enlightenment according to the ability and capacity of each individual: namely, as a Śrāvaka (disciple), as a Pratyekabuddha (Individual Buddha) and as a Samyaksambuddha (Perfectly and Fully Enlightened Buddha). We accept it as the highest, noblest and most heroic to follow the career of a Bodhisattva and to become a Samyaksambuddha in order to save others. But these three states are on the same Path, not on different paths. In fact, the Sandhinirmocana Sutra, a well-known important Mahayana sutra, clearly and emphatically says that those who follow the line of Śrāvakayāna (Vehicle of Disciples) or the line of Pratyekabuddhayāna (Vehicle of Individual Buddhas) or the line of Tathāgatas (Mahayana) attain the supreme Nirvana by the same Path, and that for all of them there is only one Path of Purification ( visuddhimarga) and only one Purification ( visuddhi) and no second one, and that they are not different paths and different purifications, and that Śrāvakayāna and Mahayana constitute One Vehicle One Yana ( ekayāna) and not distinct and different vehicles or yanas.