12 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to World
Religions and Belief Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 10:
Mahayana Buddhism
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 10: Mahayana Buddhism
First Edition, 2020

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 12

Introduction to
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 10:
Mahayana Buddhism
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems -12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Mahayana Buddhism!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher
or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
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This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
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In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
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will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
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encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems-12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Mahayana Buddhism!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
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 This is a task which aims to evaluate your
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can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

Analyze the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related
issues of Mahayana Buddhism (HUMSS_WRB12-II/IVc-10.1)

In module 9, you have learned what Theravada Buddhism is about, and how its
followers' belief of salvation is attained.
Another major Buddhist tradition is Mahayana Buddhism. In this module you will learn
about the tenets of Mahayana Buddhism and how it paved the way for the
establishment and development of a variety of Buddhist schools.

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the brief history, beliefs and practices and related issues of Mahayana
Buddhism.
2. Draws the insight from the acts of generosity of Tzu Chi Foundation that reflect
the core teaching of Mahayana.
3. Relate the Mahayana Buddhism to the teachings of your religion.

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 What I Know

TEST I:
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer in your notebook.
1. It is known as the Great Vehicle and arose in North India in the 3rd Century CE.
a. Theravada Buddhism c. Hinduism
b. Mahayana Buddhism d. Islam

2. Which of the following statements is NOT a belief of Mahayana Buddhism?

a. Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha Gautama is the only and
most divine Buddha.
b. Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha secretly taught key
principles to chosen people.
c. Mahayana Buddhists forwarded the concept that Siddhartha Gautama
was actually a benevolent celestial being, not just a mere human being
d. Mahayana Buddhists advanced the radical idea that Siddhartha
Gautama was NOT the only Buddha.

3. The key message of this Sutra is the Buddhahood.

a. Perfection of Wisdom c. Land of Bliss
b. Heart Sutra d. Lotus Sutra

4. The teaching of this Sutra is about the rebirth of the believers by repeatedly
invoking the name of Amitabha Buddha.
a. Perfection of Wisdom c. Land of Bliss
b. Heart Sutra d. Lotus Sutra

5. It is the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened.

a. Dharmakaya c. Bodhisattvas
b. Sambhogakaya d. Bodhicitta

6. How many bhumis must a bodhisattva pass before entering the so-called
“Buddhahood”?
a. 5 c. 15
b. 10 d. 20

7. It is a sect in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes that salvation is a personal

matter, and one cannot receive assistance from other entities.
a. The Pure Land Sect c. The Rationalist Sect
b. The Intuitive Sect d. The Socio-political Sect

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 8. He believed that other Buddhist Sects in Japan were corrupting the people
towards hell.
a. Mao Zedong c. Songstan Gampo
b. Nichiren Daishonin d. Dalai Lama

9. He was the Tibetan King who introduced Buddhism during his reign.
a. Mao Zedong c. Songstan Gampo
b. Nichiren Daishonin d. Dalai Lama

10. A Chinese leader who is the cause of the permanent exile of Dalai Lama in
India.
a. Mao Zedong c. Songstan Gampo
b. Nichiren Daishonin d. Dalai Lama

What’s In

Before exploring the next major Buddhist sect- Mahayana Buddhism, let us first
have a short review of the previous modules’ lesson.
One of the concepts you have learned in Module 9 is about Theravada
Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths which contain the essence of the Buddha's teachings.
Match the correct noble truth to its definition/meaning. Write only the letter of
the correct answer in your notebook.

Noble Truths Meaning

1. The First Noble Truth (dukkha) a. cessation of suffering

2. The Second Noble Truth (samodaya) b. the truth of suffering
3. The Third Noble Truth (nirodha) c. truth of the path to the cessation
4. The Fourth Noble Truth (magga) of suffering
d. the cause of suffering

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 What’s New

Believing itself as the more genuine version of

Buddha’s teachings, Mahayana Buddhism has diverged
into numerous schools with each developing its own
canon and rituals since its founding more than two
thousand years ago. Also known as the “Great Vehicle,”
Mahayana Buddhism emerged out of monastic rule and
doctrinal differences within the original form of
Buddhism. While the two major Buddhist schools of
Mahayana and Theravada both originated in the
https://www.google.com/search?q=mahayana+bud
foundational teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, their dhism&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKE
wi-
methods and search for liberation from the cycle of 2u2BnLXrAhUvG6YKHYcYCDUQ_AUoAXoECBcQAw&
biw=1280&bih=610#imgrc=kRVt3FYKYDXL9M
reincarnation can be very different. They may be viewed as two different articulations
of the original principles of the historical Buddha. For example, in contrast to the
Theravada school of thought, Mayahana Buddhism aims to extend religious authority
to a larger number of people.
Not a single group but more of an assembly of Buddhist customs, Mahayana
Buddhism is widespread in China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. With its
openness to more traditional religious views, it has developed a wide appeal to
common people and gained tremendous ground in becoming one of the most
successful missionary religions in the world (Hopfe 1983).

What is It
MAHAYANA BUDDHISM
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
A later development arose in north India that
came to be known as the Mahayana (lit. “Greater
Vehicle”) school. During the third century B.C.E., a
number of subtle variations began to take place in
Buddhism at a time when the Mauryan king Ashoka
was propagating Buddhist gospels through
missionary efforts (Hopfe 1983). The Mahasamghika
(“of the Great Sangha”), one of the early Buddhist
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftak
schools, may have been the source for the initial enewyorktours.com%2Fchinatown-a-unique-neighborhood-
in-new-york-city%2Ftemple-mahayana-
growth of Mahayana Buddhism, especially during the buddhists%2F&psig=AOvVaw1uzj9HG7f44nfzterG7qhf&ust
=1597850779444000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQ
“Second Buddhist Council” that occurred a hundred jRxqFwoTCLD77pqIpesCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

4
years after Buddha’s parinirvana. Considered a historical event, a religious schism
between the Mahasamghika and Sthavira nikaya (“Sect of the Elders”), another major
Buddhist school, transpired during the said council. These new ideas eventually
concretized resulting in a new form of Buddhism quite different from the original
teachings taught by Siddhartha Gautama and to those accepted by Theravada
Buddhists. In short, Mahayana Buddhism practically became a new religion.
These new developments within the newfound Buddhist sect comprise a set of
differing notions pertaining to the original founder and great teacher Siddhartha
Gautama himself. Firstly, Mahayana Buddhists believed that Siddhartha secretly
taught key principles to chosen people, to his most dedicated disciples, or to the most
faithful who could completely interpret these teachings in time (Hopfe 1983; Losch
2001). Secondly, Mahayana Buddhists forwarded the concept that Siddhartha
Gautama was actually a benevolent celestial being, not just a mere human being.
Because of his love for humankind and zeal to help the people, he came to our world
in human form. Thirdly, Mahayana Buddhists advanced the radical idea that
Siddhartha Gautama was not the only Buddha. There were other divine beings that
came to our world even before Siddhartha, some of them came after him, and still
others will come in the future. Principally, these beings came to earth to help lessen
people’s sufferings and lead them to salvation. This unique concept impressed many
followers because they can now revere these beings, study their lives, construct
temples, and develop an innovative belief system replete with rituals and hymns,
among others (Hopfe 1983).
Ironically, while Buddhism was being propagated and gaining support in other
countries even to the remotest places, it was steadily dying in India where it all started
because of the series of invasions destroyed numerous Buddhist centers and temples
and the rising tide of other religions in India like Islam, Hinduism and Jainism.

SACRED SCRIPTURES

Mahayana Buddhism has 2184 Sutras (sacred texts).

The most popular Mahayana Sutras are:

1) Lotus Sutra
Lotus Sutra is widely regarded as one of the most
important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of
Buddhism. In it, Shakyamuni expounds the ultimate
truth of life to which he was enlightened. The sutra’s key
message is that Buddhahood, the supreme state of life
characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom and
courage, is inherent within every person without
distinction of gender, ethnicity, social standing or https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2
intellectual ability. F%2Ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2FThe-Lotus-
Sutra%2Farticleshow%2F9694974.cms&psig=AOvVa
The Lotus Sutra is a teaching that encourages an w2vZEc1GT1zqQbEJ78JqzDC&ust=15981846318320
00&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJj
active engagement with mundane life and all its z4-zjrusCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAK

5
challenges. Buddhahood is not an escape from these challenges but an inexhaustible
source of positive energy to grapple with and transform the sufferings and
contradictions of life and create happiness. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has
written, the Lotus Sutra is ultimately a teaching of empowerment. It “teaches us that
the inner determination of an individual can transform everything; it gives ultimate
expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent in each human life.

2) Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Prajna-paramita) -

Prajñāpāramitā refers to this perfected way of seeing the
nature of reality, as well as to a particular body of sutras
and to the personification of the concept in the
Bodhisattva known as the "Great Mother" (Tibetan: Yum
Chenmo). The word Prajñāpāramitā combines the
Sanskrit words prajñā "wisdom" with pāramitā https://www.learnreligions.com/the-
"perfection". Prajñāpāramitā is a central concept in prajnaparamita-sutras-450029
Mahāyāna Buddhism and is generally associated with the doctrine of emptiness
(Shunyata) or 'lack of Svabhava' (essence) and the works of Nagarjuna. Its practice
and understanding are taken to be indispensable elements of the Bodhisattva path.

3) Heart Sutra - True to its title, this short sutra goes

to the heart of the doctrine it summarizes. In the space
of a single page (some versions adding an introductory
and a concluding paragraph), in words ascribed to the
bodhisattva (“buddha-to-be”) of compassion,
Avalokiteshvara, the Heart Sutra discusses the https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2
doctrine of “emptiness” (shunyata), which is the nature Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHeart_Sutra&psig=AOvVa
w1gtznDNgEtRETxsb3jtpKX&ust=1598185947785000&s
of reality. The process of death and rebirth (samsara), ource=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMDPmObo
the suffering (dukkha) that one experiences while knowing that one may die, the
effects of past actions (karma) that bind one to samsara, the skandhas that constitute
a sense of selfhood, the ephemeral and microscopic dharmas that constitute
phenomenal reality—all are revealed to be devoid of permanence, and thus “empty.”
Awareness of such emptiness leads to release (moksha) from samsara and to the
wisdom that precedes enlightenment (bodhi).

4) "Land of Bliss" Sutra (Sukhavati) or “Pure Land of

Bliss” - According to followers of the Pure Land schools,
which are widespread throughout East Asia, rebirth in
Sukhavati is ensured by invoking the name of Amitabha,
particularly at the moment of death. According to the
“larger” of the Pure Land sutras, only men may be reborn
in Sukhavati; this teaching was repeated and adapted by https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3
some Buddhist groups as Pure Land teachings spread A%2F%2Fwww.buddhistdoor.net%2Ffeatures%2
Fthree-ways-to-introduce-the-pure-land-
from India into East Asia. However, some vernacular Buddhist writings, particularly in

6
East Asia, demonstrate a popular belief that women may also enter Sukhavati upon
death.
Sukhavati is expressively described in the Pure Land sutras as being a joyous
world, soft and glowing, filled with the music of birds and the tinkling of trees adorned
with precious jewels and garlands of golden bells. Amitabha sits on a lotus in the midst
of a terraced pond, attended by the bodhisattvas (“buddhas-to-be”) Avalokiteshvara
and Mahasthamaprapta. The newly dead enter into lotus buds, which unfold when the
occupants have become entirely purified and have attained enlightenment. Many are
said to be reborn on Earth after leaving Sukhavati to become bodhisattvas working
toward the liberation (moksha) of all sentient beings.

BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES

Siddhartha Gautama, born in the fifth or sixth century C.E. in present-day
Nepal, is considered the historical Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. After he attained
enlightenment at the age of 35, he came to be known as Gautama Buddha and spent
the rest of his life preaching across India. He died at the age of 80.
The concept of trikaya (“three bodies”) pertains to the teaching of Mahayana
Buddhism about the nature of the Buddha and reality. In Mahayana Buddhism, this
doctrine states that each Buddha has three bodies, namely, dharmakaya,
sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya. The table below summarizes the nature of the
three bodies of Buddha.

The dharmakaya is identical with perfect enlightenment that is absolute and

beyond existence or non-existence. Everyone is capable of attaining this special place
which is beyond perceptual forms. As a body of bliss, the state of crossing point
between the two sambhogakaya is already enlightened but remains distinctive.
Believed to be a remuneration of one’s aggregated positive deeds, it serves as a other
trikayas of Buddha. Lastly, nirmanakaya is the physical body that undergoes birth,
inhabits the world, and dies in the end. The great teacher Siddhartha Gautama is an
example of a Buddha in a state of nirmanakaya.
For Mahayana Buddhists, Buddhas are not individuals who actually lived in this
world. In some ways, they are simply expressions of the one Buddha reality, such as
that of Siddhartha Gautama (Brown 1975). These great Buddhas are to be found in
various heavens enshrined together with other gods and saints. In China, Amitabha is
a very popular Buddha. In Japan, Vairocana is the great Buddha.

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Bodhisattvas
One distinct feature of Mahayana Buddhism concerns its
teaching about an enlightened being or bodhisattva
(“enlightened existence”) which is the ultimate way for any
Buddhist to live in this world. A bodhisattva has generated
bodhicitta or the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being
enlightened. The concept of bodhicitta greatly differs between
the two main schools of Buddhism.
Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have put off
entering paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment.
There are many different Bodhisattvas, but the most famous in
https://depts.washington.edu/
China is Avalokitesvara, known in Chinese as Guanyin. chinaciv/bud/5zmqbodf.jpg

Bodhisattvas are usually depicted as less austere or inward

than the Buddha. Renouncing their own salvation and immediate entrance into nirvana, they
devote all their power and energy to saving suffering beings in this world. As the deity of
compassion, Bodhisattvas are typically represented with precious jewelry, elegant garments
and graceful postures.
Bhumis and Paramitas
Based on the Mahayana tradition, a bodhisattva must pass 10 Bhumis (“grounds” of
“land”) before attaining the so-called “Buddha-hood.” These are extensions of the “Eightfold
Path” as discussed in the previous lesson on Theravada Buddhism. The Bhumis are frequently
associated with the paramitas (“perfections”). Translated as “to cross over the other shore,”
paramitas imply crossing from the “sea of suffering” to the “shore of happiness.” One is lifted
from the cycle of rebirth to finally achieve liberation. While the first five paramitas are principally
concerned with the accumulation of merits, the sixth paramita involves the attainment of
wisdom.
Several Mahayana texts identify 10 Bhumis, but many schools list their own path to
development. A boddhisattva vow is stated as “May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all
sentient beings.” The 10 bhumis as lifted from Avatamsaka Sutra or “Flower Garland Sutra,”
one of the most influential sutra of Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia, are listed below:

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WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES
Buddhism integrates an assortment of religious practices and devotional rituals
with the objective of aiding worshippers in their journey toward enlightenment and in
bringing blessings to each and every one. In Buddhist temples, they pray and chant to
pay their respect to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara,
Manjushri, and Amitabha. They also offer vegetarian food and light incense to pay
homage to these important divine beings. Mahayana rituals can be quite elaborate
with the addition of other disciples of Siddhartha Gautama and important bodhisattvas.
Worshippers also recite chants and undertake pilgrimages to sites of Buddhist
importance. Meditational activities are fundamental in almost all popular forms of
Buddhism. The lotus that symbolizes purity, the eight-spoke wheels that represent the
dharma, and the different hand gestures (mudras) are important symbols for
Mahayana Buddhism.

SUBDIVISIONS
Mahayana Buddhism consists of a variety of schools and family of religions.

1. The Pure Land Sect

Pure Land Buddhism began in India around the second century B.C.E., spread
to China by the second century C.E., and reached Japan around sixth century C.E.
When believers die, it is their objective to live in the “Pure Land of the West” or
Sukhavati. By simply reciting the name of the Amitabha with utmost attentiveness
many times during the day, they may be reborn in this paradise where they can work
to achieve enlightenment much easier. Amitabha, the god who supervises over a
western paradise, is the focus of this sect. Once in Sukhavati, people can experience
the delight in hearing Amitabha teach the dharma in preparation for their entry to
nirvana. Aside from meditations, this Buddhist sect utilizes chants and recitations to
focus on helpful thoughts (Losch 2001).

2. The Intuitive Sects

The intuitive sects emphasize that salvation is a personal matter and one
cannot receive assistance from other entities, such as another person or institution, to
realize the inner truths of religion. In short, most elements of religion—from scriptures,
temples, statues, prayers, and rituals—are not essential to achieve enlightenment. An
individual may be spiritually enlightened by a sudden spark of insight, either through
meditation or even by accident, beyond words or thoughts. Modern European thinkers
have been attracted to Zen Buddhism because of its concept on simplicity and intuitive
inspiration (Brown 1975).

3. The Rationalist Sect

A rationalist Buddhist school of thought called T’ien-t’ai emerged around the
sixth century C.E. with its name originating from a mountain in southeastern China
where its founder Chih-I or Zhiyi lived. Chih-I emphasized that acts of studying and

9
contemplation were both vital for spiritual enlightenment. Apart from instructions on
the scriptures and silent meditation, other means to reach this goal include mystical
communion with the eternal, ascetic discipline, meritorious deeds, and simple faith in
the mercy of the Buddha (Jurji 1946).

4. The Socio-political Sect

A Japanese Buddhist monk by the name of Nichiren Daishonin who lived during
the thirteenth century during the Kamakura period began to teach that the path
towards attaining enlightenment rested solely on the devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
Nichiren (“sun lotus”) Buddhism, which is purely a Japanese phenomenon, perceives
itself as the only rightful version of Buddhism.
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that individuals must take responsibility to enhance
themselves, or what is called “human revolution,” and, in turn, to improve the world’s
lot. Enlightenment is accessible to every individual on earth simply by opening one’s
inherent Buddha-nature in this world. A scripture scholar and an activist, Nichiren
himself is considered a Buddha.
Nichiren taught that he alone understood Buddhist truths. He believed that other
Buddhist sects in Japan were corrupting the people towards hell.

5. Tibetan Buddhism
Buddhism was officially introduced into Tibet around the seventh century C.E.
during the reign of Songtsan Gampo, considered the founder of the Tibetan Empire.
He was influenced by his Chinese and Indian wives who were both Buddhist followers.
Buddhism became a dominant force in the region toward the end of the eight century
C.E. when the king Trisong Detsen decreed it as the official state religion. Tibetan
Buddhism is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was conquered
by the Chinese. At one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men were Buddhist
monks.
Tibetan Buddhism is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet
was conquered by the Chinese. At one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men
were Buddhist monks.
The best known face of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama, who has lived in
exile in India since he fled Chinese occupation of his country in 1959.
Tibetan Buddhism combines the essential teachings of Mahayana Buddhism
with Tantric and Shamanic, and material from an ancient Tibetan religion called Bon.
Although Tibetan Buddhism is often thought to be identical with Vajrayana Buddhism,
they are not identical - Vajrayana is taught in Tibetan Buddhism together with the other
vehicles.

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SELECTED ISSUES
Tibet Invasion

For centuries, both China and India have been claiming Tibet as part of their
territories. Tibet practically enjoyed some degree of independence as none of the
claimants pressed their claim. In 1950, however, China annexed Tibet and negotiated
the so-called “Seventeen Point Agreement” with the government of the fourteenth
Dalai Lama. Rejected repeatedly by the Dalai Lama, this document confirmed China’s
authority over Tibet, but the area was granted autonomy. In 1959, the Dalai Lama
failed in his bid to oust China’s puppet rule as the Tibetan uprising was defeated by
the more powerful Chinese force. The Dalai Lama, together with his followers escaped
to India, and are now living there as refugees.

With the implementation of Mao Zedong’s “Great Leap Forward” from 1958 to 1961,
or China’s socio-economic campaign to transform the country into a socialist society,
between 200,000 to 1,000,000 Tibetans tragically met their death. During Mao
Zedong’s “Cultural Revolution,” a socio-political movement from 1966 to 1976 aimed
at eliminating capitalism and traditionalism from China, around 6,000 monasteries
were destroyed. Tragically, China’s occupation of Tibet has led to countless deaths of
many Buddhist monks, nuns, and laiety who wished to continue their religious
practices in their native land (Douglas 2007).
From 1959 to 1977, almost all elements of Tibetan Buddhism were obliterated.
While many hundred thousand Tibetans were killed, others were driven to exile.
Presently, the Dalai Lama has been continuously visiting other countries preaching a
message of hope and peace. He has been given numerous citations for various
international advocacies and teaching activities, such as the Ramon Magsaysay
Award for Community Leadership (1959), Nobel Peace Prize (1989), U.S.
Congressional Gold Medal (2007), and Templeton Prize (2012).
Engaged Activism
Ritual suicides led by Buddhist monks have transpired in the twentieth century
as a form of protest to governmental actions. For example, a crisis occurred between
Buddhists and the South Vietnamese government led by Ngo Dinh Diem in the 1960s
that had tremendous effect in politics, militancy, and religious tolerance (Braswell
1994). As a result of persecutions undertaken by the government against Buddhists,
monks began to lambast the regime that eventually resulted in the self-immolation of
Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Mayahana Buddhist monk. He voluntarily burned
himself to death in a busy Saigon road intersection in 1963. Later on, several other
monks followed his example. The regime tried in vain to suppress Buddhist resistance
through massive retaliation and nation-wide assaults in Buddhist pagodas. Temples
were defaced, monks were beaten, and Quanc Duc’s cremated remains were
confiscated. Eventually, the regime lost support from the US and an army coup
brought down Diem. Amid religious protests and non-violent struggle, Diem was
assassinated in 1963.

11
 In Japan, a militant and missionary form of Buddhism was founded in 1930
called the Soka Gakkai, a religious movement based on the teachings of Nichiren
Buddhism. During the Second World War, the group temporarily disbanded only to
emerge mightily after the war. After its hiatus, the members of this group grew rapidly
while employing hard-line and contentious recruitment methods, including coercion,
fear, intimidation, and the use of threats. A political party was even formed by Soka
Gakkai, the Komeito, that became the third most powerful in Japan.

A Great Insight into the Charity of Tzu Chi

By Buddhist door International Brenda Leung Twitter

You may, or may not, have heard of the Tzu
Chi organization?
Tzu Chi is a low-key Buddhist organization
founded in Taiwan in a simple and modest manner
by a Buddhist nun named Cheng Yen with 30
volunteer followers in 1966. Today, the Tzu Chi
organization has grown and developed into what has
become the world’s largest Chinese non-government https://bit.ly/33Y9bZT

organization with operations in over 40 countries and 10 million volunteers! That is a

remarkable achievement in expansion over 45 years of service dedicated to helping
others around the world. Tzu Chi has built seven hospitals, 100 schools, a university;
and it currently runs the largest bone marrow bank in Asia. It was one of the first NGOs
to aid the victims of the Katrina Hurricane damage in the US (2005), and quickly
mobilized teams and supplies after the tsunamis in Asia (2004/2011) and the Sichuan
earthquake in China (2008). All these great works have sprung from Master Cheng
Yen’s pioneered vision of “humanist Buddhism”, a mission to transform traditional
monastery Buddhist practices into Bodhisattvas’ acts to benefit people all over the
world.
Tzu Chi is an exceptional NGO not only because of its size and scope of
services all over the world, but also because of its efficient management style and
philosophy to evoke the compassion in every human being. According to O’Neill, Tzu
Chi is run like a multi-national company to ensure effective use of money and thus has
earned the trust from donors and patrons all over the world with annual donations of
$300 million and an endowment of over $780 million. Moreover, the aid materials are
delivered person-to-person by Tzu Chi members as Master Cheng Yen believes that
this will bring as much blessing to the donors and to the recipients, and more
importantly, will spread the seeds of love to the suffering people. It is therefore no
surprise to find the Tzu Chi members in white and blue uniforms helping out in natural
disasters or battle zones in various corners of the globe. Master Cheng Yen believes
that we are all capable to take the Bodhisattva vows and practice the Buddhist
teachings by working to ease the suffering of others.
Tzu Chi demonstrates the Bodhisattva’s ideals in its actions and illuminates
universal love for all sentient beings in our daily life. As O’Neill says, “it (Tzu Chi) gives
aids to everyone, regardless of race or color, and welcomes people of every belief. It
sees the world as one family and everyone who is suffering as worthy of help”, and
that “this is Buddhism is action, not a religion confined to temples and monasteries.”

The Tzu Chi organization is a life-teaching example of Buddhism in action.

12
 What’s More

Instruction: Briefly describe the four popular Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism using the
graphic organizer below. Do this in your notebook.

The Four Famous

Sutras in Mahayana
Buddhism

What I Have Learned

Direction: Answer the following questions in your activity notebook.

1. What is the importance of the Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism?

2. Why is Siddhartha Gautama considered as an example of a Buddha in a
state of nirmanakaya.
3, What is bodhisattva and how is it related to buddha-hood?
4. Why did Thich Quang Duc burn himself?
5. How does Mahayana Buddhism spread in Tibet?

13
 What I Can Do

https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/wp- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmyhero.com
content/uploads/2017/03/adult-1807526_1920.jpg %2FJ_Paul2_dnhs_US_2011&psig=AOvVaw1UR0gOISeqfvVRQm1
BSF9e&ust=1598544348594000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAI
QjRxqFwoTCMCRnYKguesCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

Instructions: Answer the questions below and write it in your activity notebook. (5pts
each)
1. Look at the pictures above, how do you feel upon looking at the pictures?
Explain.
2. As a Christian, do you think that the teachings of Buddhism are also applicable
to you to become a better person? Explain and cite an example.

Assessment

TEST I: Identify the following statements. Write your answers in your activity notebook.
1. It is known as the Great Vehicle and arose in North India in the 3rd Century CE.
2. This sutra refers to the perfected way of seeing the nature of reality.
3. The key message of this Sutra is the Buddhahood.
4. The teaching of this Sutra is about the rebirth of the believers by repeatedly
invoking the name of Amitabha Buddha.
5. It is the spontaneous desire to achieve the state of being enlightened.
6. How many bhumis must a bodhisattva pass before entering the so-called
“Buddhahood”?
7. It is a sect in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes that salvation is a personal
matter and one cannot receive assistance from other entities.
8. He believed that other Buddhist Sects in Japan were corrupting the people
towards hell.
9. He was the Tibetan King who introduced Buddhism during his reign.
10. A Chinese leader who is the cause of the permanent exile of Dalai Lama in
India.

14
 Additional Activities

Copy the data retrieval chart below in your notebook. Afterwards, complete the
needed information about Tzu Chi Organization.

TZU CHI FOUNDATION

Founder

Year Founded

Achievements

Organization’s Vision

How does the acts of generosity of Tzu

Chi Foundation reflect the core teaching
of Mahayana?

15
 16
WHAT I KNOW
1. B 3. D 5. D 7. B 9. C
2. A 4. C 6. B 8. B 10. A
WHAT’S IN
1. b
2. d
3.a
4. c
WHAT’S MORE
The Four Famous Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism
1.) Lotus Sutra is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of Buddhism. The sutra’s
key message is that Buddhahood, the supreme state of life characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom and courage, is inherent
within every person without distinction of gender, ethnicity, social standing or intellectual ability.
2.) Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Prajna-paramita) - Prajñāpāramitā refers to this perfected way of seeing the nature of reality, as
well as to a particular body of sutras and to the personification of the concept in the Bodhisattva known as the "Great Mother" (Tibetan:
Yum Chenmo).
3. )True to its title, this short sutra goes to the heart of the doctrine it summarizes
the Heart Sutra discusses the doctrine of “emptiness” (shunyata), which is the nature of reality
4) "Land of Bliss" Sutra (Sukhavati) or “Pure Land of Bliss”
Rebirth in Sukhavati is ensured by invoking the name of Amitabha, particularly at the moment of death.
ASSESSMENT
1. Mahayana Buddhism
2. Perfection of Wisdom
3. Lotus Sutra
4. Land of Bliss
5. Bodhicitta
6. 10
7. The Intuitive Sect
8. Nichiren Daishonin
9. Songstan Gampo
10. Mao Zedong
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
TZU CHI FOUNDATION
Founder Cheng Yen, a Buddhist nun
Year Founded 1966
Achievements
It has become the world’s largest Chinese non-government organization with operations in over 40
countries and 10 million volunteers
• Tzu Chi has built seven hospitals, 100 schools, a university; and it currently runs the largest bone
marrow bank in Asia.
• It was one of the first NGOs to aid the victims of the Katrina Hurricane damage in the US (2005),
and quickly mobilized teams and supplies after the tsunamis in Asia (2004/2011) and the Sichuan
earthquake in China (2008).
Organization’s
Vision Humanist Buddhism”, a mission to transform traditional monastery Buddhist practices into Bodhisattvas’
acts to benefit people all over the world.
How does the Tzu Chi members devote all their power and energy to saving suffering beings in this world, which is one of
acts of
generosity of a Bodhisattva vows and Buddhist teachings’ practices. Furthermore, Tzu Chi demonstrates the
Tzu Chi Bodhisattva’s ideals in its actions and illuminates universal love for all sentient beings in our daily life. As
Foundation
reflect the core O’Neill says, “it (Tzu Chi) gives aids to everyone, regardless of race or color, and welcomes people of
teaching of
every belief. It sees the world as one family and everyone who is suffering as worthy of help”, and that “this
Mahayana?
is Buddhism is action, not a religion confined to temples and monasteries.”
Answer Key
Glossary

Parinirvana - is commonly used to refer to nirvana-after-death, which occurs upon

the death of someone who has attained nirvana during his or her
lifetime.

Buddahood - means enlightenment, enlightened to the true nature and potential of

life.

Sutra - in Indian literary traditions refers to an aphorism or a collection of aphorisms

in the form of a manual or, more broadly, a condensed manual or text.

Amitabha - the great saviour buddha.

Sukhāvatī, - refers to the western pure land of Amitābha in Mahayana Buddhism. The
Sanskrit sukhavatī (sukhāvatī) is the feminine form of sukhāvat ("full of
joy; blissful"),[1][2] from sukha ("delight, joy") and -vat ("full of").

Trikaya - the concept of the three bodies, or modes of being, of the Buddha.

Bodhisattva - a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of
compassion in order to save suffering beings.

Nirvana - a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of
self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of
death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.

17
References

Books
Jerome A. Ong and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, Vibal Group
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Internet Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sukhavati
https://www.ancient.eu/Mahayana_Buddhism/
http://factsanddetails.com/asian/cat64/sub416/entry-
5665.html#:~:text=Mahayana%20Main%20scriptures%3A%20Sutras%20(sacred,%2
C%20emptiness%2C%20and%20Ultimate%20Reality.
https://www.sgi.org/about-us/buddhist-lineage/lotus-sutra.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita#:~:text=Praj%C3%B1%C4%81p%C4%8
1ramit%C4%81%20means%20%22the%20Perfection%20of,(Tibetan%3A%20Yum
%20Chenmo).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Sutra
https://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/bud/5imgbodd.htm#:~:text=others%20attain%
20enlightenment,Bodhisattvas%20are%20enlightened%20beings%20who%20have
%20put%20off%20entering%20paradise,or%20inward%20than%20the%20Buddha.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/tibetan_1.shtml
Leung, Brenda. “A Great Insight into the Charity of Tzu Chi.” Buddhistdoor.net
https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/a-great-insight-into-the-charity-of-tzu-chi.
(accessed October 15, 2020).

18
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

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