略說南傳、北傳佛教(Brief Discussion on Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism)

南傳佛教又可稱為小乘、上座部

北傳佛教又可稱為大乘、大眾部

筆者不用南傳、北傳以外的說法稱呼是有原因的

光以字義就可以看得出其褒貶

不管是北對南還是南對北的攻擊

這早已持續了上千年

而這起源於提婆達多分裂僧團所導致

原始佛教並沒有出家人一定要吃素的戒律

原因在於出家人以化緣為主

施主有什麼能供養的就必須要接受

現代人物質條件寬裕能夠輕易取得素食

這是現代在家居士、僧伽與眾生的福報

北傳嘲笑南傳為自了漢不是一天兩天的事

但若是考據歷史，最原始的教義是讓人斷苦

演變到後面開始有大威力的菩薩跟無所不能的佛

這早已是偏離了當初的教導

而這一切佛早已預視到，也知道佛法終將滅去

持續一段無佛法的時期

直到下一個佛出世

修行不是為了得到他人的敬重、供養

修行是為了自己的利益為了能斷苦

也為了他人的利益所以傳法講法

佛成就之前也行了無量劫的菩薩道

若真的敬重菩薩，菩薩本就在人間

所有幫忙傳法、講法的居士、僧伽

用實際行為挽救生命的護士、醫生、消防員、防災士、台電員工

甚至提婆達多藉由示現造作定業，提醒莫入後塵

天魔波旬示現其貪念，再再都提醒觀自身過失的重要

都是菩薩

北傳佛教有定業不可消的說法

唯有願力可解

南傳則是認為定業(五無間)以外

是可以透過當世的努力而不受後有

望行者莫因差異而妄動無名，無有利益

宗教本是規範自己，用來脅迫他人，狂妄傲慢是愚痴所為

受報本是應當

臨時抱佛腳自有其功效在

殺人魔指蔓尚且能解脫清淨

行者又何需新造惡業障礙自己??

願行者幸福無煩惱

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Theravāda Buddhism, also known as the "Southern Tradition" or "Hinayāna" (Lesser Vehicle), and Mahāyāna Buddhism, also known as the "Northern Tradition" or "Mahāyāna" (Greater Vehicle), are the two primary branches of Buddhism. I prefer using the terms "Southern Tradition" and "Northern Tradition" to avoid the inherent bias and connotations found in the alternative terms.

The conflicts and criticisms between the Northern and Southern traditions have been ongoing for over a thousand years, originating from the schism caused by Devadatta's attempt to split the Sangha. In early Buddhism, there were no precepts requiring monks to be vegetarians, as monks primarily relied on alms for sustenance. They were expected to accept whatever was offered by the lay donors. Today, the availability of vegetarian food is a blessing for modern lay practitioners, monks, and all sentient beings.

Misconceptions and Historical Context

The Northern Tradition often criticizes the Southern Tradition for being self-centered or "self-liberators" (pratyekabuddhas). However, historically, the original teachings of Buddhism focused on the cessation of suffering. Over time, the introduction of powerful Bodhisattvas and omnipotent Buddhas marked a significant departure from the original teachings. The Buddha foresaw these changes and the eventual decline of the Dharma, predicting a period without the Buddha's teachings until the emergence of the next Buddha.

Purpose of Practice

The purpose of practice is not to gain respect or offerings from others but for one's own benefit and the cessation of suffering. Teaching the Dharma is for the benefit of others. Before attaining enlightenment, the Buddha himself practiced the Bodhisattva path for countless eons. If one truly respects Bodhisattvas, it is important to recognize that Bodhisattvas are among us. Lay practitioners, monks, nurses, doctors, firefighters, disaster relief workers, power company employees, and even figures like Devadatta and Māra, who through their actions remind us of the importance of vigilance and mindfulness, are all considered Bodhisattvas.

Differing Views on Kamma

The Northern Tradition holds that certain karmic consequences are unchangeable and can only be alleviated through the power of vows. The Southern Tradition, however, believes that aside from the five heinous crimes (ānantarika kamma), karmic outcomes can be mitigated through diligent practice in this lifetime, thus preventing negative rebirths.

Encouragement for Practitioners

Practitioners should not be swayed by differences to the extent of creating further ignorance and harm. Religion is meant to regulate oneself, not to coerce others. Arrogance and fanaticism are signs of ignorance and bring about appropriate consequences.

Even last-minute reliance on the Buddha has its effectiveness. If Angulimala, a notorious killer, could attain purity and liberation, why should practitioners hinder themselves by creating new negative karma?

May all practitioners be happy and free from suffering.