Life of Henry

One Pillar Pagoda  Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Hanoi, Vietnam The history of Buddhism is divided into two traditions Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada Buddhism focuses on Buddha's Eightfold paths and Five Dedications to enlightenment, while Mahayana uses newer teaching rather than solely on the original teaching. Theravada or Hinayana, can be interpreted as the "stricter" teaching to enlightenment. The word "Theravada" literally means "teaching (doctrine) of the elders" which emphasizes the depth of the strict pathways to enlightenment if someone was to follow this path (Bresnan 221). While Mahayana is a Sanskirt word that literally means "Great Vehicle" which can be interpreted as not certain people can follow this path but a broader group(Bresnan 232). Theravada Meditation Artistic expression has been an influence on the rise of Mahayana and Theravada. A great flowering of Buddhist art was accompanied by the rise of Mahayana. I...

In The Bhagavad Gita by Jack Hawley, the book reveals one noticeable theme that carries out through the story and meaning to our daily life. The theme of the book would be considered the practice that we learn in the past can help us through the harsh time in the future.  Arjuna and Krishna In the beginning of the book, Arjuna is observing the two armies in the battlefield and suddenly stops and tell Krishna(god/deity) "my arms and legs feel heavy" which reveals that Arjuna is questioning his decision on fighting his friends, family, teachers etc. (Hawley 7). Then through the next few chapter, Arjuna and Krishna go back to the basics of yoga principle teaching to help resolve Arjuna's most desire questioning of his dharma. Krishna Krishna emphasizes that "one's personal duty in life (one's sva-dharma ) should be viewed as one's responsibility to his or her highest Self, the Atma" (Hawley 17). "Krishna points out to Arjuna that hi...