Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism - Smith Part II

1. When trying to understand the split in Buddhism, Smith argues that the divisions arise from three basic questions: What are the three questions and how do they relate to Buddhism? (120 - 121)
• The first question is asking if people are independent or interdependent. It is all dependent on the person. To some people are more aware of their self and take initiative to do things. Dependency upon others is only a hinderance to them, so they are independent. To others, dependency is beneficial and they believe in a deeper connectedness of all humans.
• The second question concerns the relationship with people and the universe; is the universe helpful, or do we need to fight for what we get? Some say that it is helpful and a higher power is there to hold humanity's hand, while others say the universe is hostile and we stand alone.
• The third question is: What is the best part of the human self, its head or its heart? It is the same question as would you rather be loved or respected? The people who choose the head seek wisdom, while those who choose the heart seek compassion.  
2. Smith outlines the basic differences between the schools in a single paragraph on page 121 - what are the main divisions he points out and what do the different names Mahayana and Hinayana (Theravada) mean?
• Mahayana - which means the big raft - is more focused on interdependency and compassion because they believe that reaching Nirvana should not be the complete focus of one's life. Mahayana is for the laypeople for this reason. It is more easy for people to follow Mahayana because they do not devote their lives to Nirvana and become monks, so it is the "Buddhism for the people". 
• Theravada - or known as Hinayana, the little raft - is the group who considers wisdom to be more important than compassion. The followers of this division give up everything in life to become monks and try to reach Nirvana. They focus on the self and are all independent. The Hinayana Buddhist didn't prefer their name so they changed it to Theravada which means the way of t
3. Read pages 122 - 127 and outline the major differences Smith gives for the division between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
• Theravada Buddhists measure progress by the individual gain and their application of the will. Mahayana Buddhists don't need to measure individual progress because they are all working toward the same goal
• Theravada says we are on our own in the universe. Mahayana says that there is always a higher power propelling people toward it's ultimate goal
• The prime attribute in a bodhi is wisdom for Theravada Buddhists. They have profound insight into everything. Mahayana Buddhists believe that compassion is not just "present", but that it must be worked toward. 
• The sangha is at the heart of Theravada Buddhism. whole areas are centered around the monasteries to remind the lay people of a higher truth behind reality. The monks and nuns are partially distant from the society though because they rely on the people to add to their begging bowls everyday. 
• For Theravada Buddhists, the perfect role-model is the Arhat, which is the perfect disciple who finds nirvana on his own and proceeds toward his goal without doubt and unwavering. Mahayana Buddhists believe that the Bodhisattvas are the ideal role-models because they are enlightened, but choose not to reach nirvana in order to help the rest of the people in the world reach enlightenment.