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The Universal Perspective of Mahayana Buddhism

by Sangharakshita

Sangharakshita explores the contrast between Hinayana ('Little Vehicle') and Mahayana ('Great Vehicle') Buddhism. Pursuing the theme of the Mahayana, he outlines its path, its historical roots and its principal scriptures, particularly the White Lotus Sutra.

Talk given in 1971.

This talk is part of the series Parables, Myths and Symbols of Mahayana Buddhism in the White Lotus Sutra.

Tracks (click play to listen)

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1. The simile of Indra's Net (11:30) 
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2. Introduction to the series (6:38) 
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3. What do we mean by Mahayana? (12:53) 
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4. The difference between the Bodhisattva and the Arahant (5:09) 
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5. The Six Paramitas: Dana - Generosity (7:41) 
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6. Sila - Morality (2:34) 
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7. Kshanti - Patience (1:44) 
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8. Virya - Energy (0:29) 
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9. Samadhi (1:48) 
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10. Prajna - Wisdom (3:37) 
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11. The simile of a famine (7:25) 
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12. Differences between the Hinayana and the Mahayana (9:43) 
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13. The language of concepts and the language of images (4:11) 
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14. An introduction to six Mahayana sutras (8:04) 
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15. The White Lotus Sutra (2:51) 


Total running time: 1:26:17