A question asked by many people is What is the difference between Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism? To find the answer let us look at the history of Buddhism and compare and
contrast the beliefs and philosophies of the two.
The Buddah, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in the 6th century B.C.E. in Northwestern India.
The Buddah was the son of an aristocrat and grew up in a world of affluence and
privilege. His father, Suddhodana took every precaution to make sure Siddhartha didn't
experience anything that would hurt his happiness.
The Buddah attained enlightenment at the age of 35 and spent his life teaching. He taught
for 45 years and only slept for about two hours a day. What he taught was called Buddha
Vacana, i.e. the word of the Buddha.
Three months after the Buddha's death five hundred of his disciples convened the First
Council at Rajagaha. Maha Kassapa, the most respected and elderly monk, presided the
council. Since members of the council were not able to agree on......
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