3.1.3 Dhamma: The Human Personality

Overview of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism:

Mahayana Buddhism:

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Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhists devote their lives to achieving enlightenment and ultimately reaching Nibbana (the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death). A significant number of them become monks and nuns, dedicating themselves fully to this spiritual path. In Theravada belief, the human personality is composed of what are known as the Five Aggregates (skandhas), which are collections or groups that define our existence.

The Five Aggregates are:

1. Sensation (vedana) - This encompasses the emotions or physical pain that arise when our bodies interact with other forms or objects.
2. Perception (samjna) - This allows individuals to recognise and understand what things are, often drawing from past experiences and memories.
3. Mental Formation (samskara) - These are the thoughts and mental activities that lead a person to perform good or bad deeds.
4. Consciousness (vijnana) - This is the general awareness of oneself and the wider world.
5. Form (rupa) - This refers to the physical aspects, such as the sense organs (e.g., ears and nose), and their interactions with the material world. Note: The Five Aggregates (skandhas) are fundamental in understanding how the self is constructed in Theravada Buddhism. They highlight that what we consider as 'self' is actually a collection of changing phenomena.

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Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhists, while also striving for enlightenment, differ from Theravada Buddhists in that they deliberately postpone reaching Nibbana. They do this to help others attain enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhism places a strong emphasis on three key concepts:

6. Sunyata (emptiness) - This concept suggests that everything is interdependent and lacks an intrinsic nature. Essentially, all things are empty, similar to the Theravada concept of anatta (non-self), one of the Three Marks of Existence.
7. Attaining Buddhahood - This refers to achieving enlightenment and becoming a Buddha. Mahayana Buddhists aim to reach Buddhahood through meditation and various Buddhist practices, distancing themselves from life's distractions that hinder spiritual progress.
8. Buddha-nature - This idea posits that all beings have the potential to become Buddhas. Mahayana Buddhists believe that everyone possesses the essence of a Buddha within them. Once a person understands the Buddha's Dhamma, they can achieve enlightenment. The concept of Buddha-nature inspires Buddhists to engage in meditation and acts of generosity, which help alleviate suffering in the world. Note: In Mahayana Buddhism, Sunyata is closely related to the realization of Buddha-nature. Understanding the emptiness of all things (Sunyata) helps one to see the potential for enlightenment (Buddha-nature) in all beings. This understanding is essential for attaining Buddhahood.

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Comparative Summary

In summary, both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists are dedicated to the pursuit of enlightenment, but their paths and emphases differ significantly:

• Theravada Buddhism focuses on individual liberation through understanding the Five Aggregates, which reveal the impermanent and non-self nature of existence.
• Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes altruism, with a focus on helping others achieve enlightenment. Key concepts like Sunyata and Buddha-nature highlight the interconnectedness of all beings and the potential for everyone to become a Buddha.