A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON HEAVENS IN THERAVADA AND MAHAYANA BUDDHISM

Abstract

This research titled “A Comparative Analysis on Heavens in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism” included the following objectives: 1) to study the concept on heavens in the view of Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the concept on heavens in the view of Mahayana Buddhism; 3) to comparatively analyze on heavens in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. It was a qualitative research focusing on studying from documents. The findings of this research were as follows. 1) The concept on heavens in the view of Theravada Buddhism was that heavens were the sense-sphere of Gods with ideal excellences called Sagga or the six heavens of the sense-sphere that each realm had Gods that governed their followers. These gods had different level of age, complexion, heavenly happiness and treasure etc.; 2) The concept on heavens in the view of Mahayana Buddhism was that heavens were Buddha’s Land or the Land of Purity. The main Buddha’s Land was the Land of Bliss with the ideal excellences. This land was created by Amida Buddha located in the West. It was a Pure Land with ideal excellences. All beings that were born in this Land would enter Enlightenment. 3) When heavens of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism were comparatively analyzed, it was found that heavens or Sagga of Theravada Buddhism were immensely different from Buddha’s Land of Bliss and Purity of Mahayana Buddhism that was because Theravada Buddhism did not focus on heavens in the sense of worldly happiness but focusing on enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhism, however, mainly focused on the land of bliss with ideal excellences in leading to the condition of enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhism, thus, explained on facilitating all beings to be released and able to enter the land of purity with all ideal excellences.