Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika are two of the earliest schools of Buddhism. They emerged in the wake of the Buddha’s death, around the 4th century BCE. Both schools share a common core of beliefs, but they also have some important differences.
Sthaviravada [Image of Sthaviravada monks performing a ceremony]
Sthaviravada, which means “The School of the Elders,” is the oldest and most conservative school of Buddhism. It is based on the teachings of the Buddha as recorded in the Pali Canon. Sthaviravadins believe that the Buddha was a fully enlightened being who taught the path to liberation from suffering. They also believe that the arhat is the highest spiritual attainment, and that arhats are free from all defilements.
Mahasanghika [Image of Mahasanghika monks chanting]
Mahasanghika, which means “The Great Congregation,” is a more liberal school of Buddhism. It emerged from a schism in the early Buddhist sangha, over disagreements about the interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings. Mahasanghikas believe that the Buddha was a transcendent being who never actually existed in the physical world. They also believe that there are many different paths to liberation, and that arhats are not the only ones who can achieve enlightenment.
Key Differences
There are a number of key differences between Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika. Some of the most important are:
- The nature of the Buddha: Sthaviravadins believe that the Buddha was a fully enlightened being who taught the path to liberation from suffering. Mahasanghikas believe that the Buddha was a transcendent being who never actually existed in the physical world.
- The path to liberation: Sthaviravadins believe that the path to liberation is based on the Eightfold Path. Mahasanghikas believe that there are many different paths to liberation.
- The arhat: Sthaviravadins believe that the arhat is the highest spiritual attainment, and that arhats are free from all defilements. Mahasanghikas believe that arhats are not the only ones who can achieve enlightenment.
Other Differences
There are a number of other differences between Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika, including:
- The role of women: Sthaviravadins believe that women are inferior to men, and that they cannot achieve enlightenment. Mahasanghikas believe that women are equal to men, and that they can achieve enlightenment.
- The use of images: Sthaviravadins do not use images of the Buddha. Mahasanghikas do use images of the Buddha.
- The use of stupas: Sthaviravadins do not use stupas. Mahasanghikas do use stupas.
Conclusion
Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika are two of the most important schools of Buddhism. They have played a significant role in the development of Buddhism, and they continue to be influential today.
Additional Resources
- Sthaviravada: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada
- Mahasanghika: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahāsanghika
- The Eightfold Path: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Path
- Arhat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhat
- Stupa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stupa
I hope this blog has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.