<p>The main difference I'm aware of is that the Therevada school is focused on seeking Enlightenment for the individual. The Mahayana school is focused on seeking Enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.</p>

<p>If I remember correctly, for those who believe in the literal Western interpretation of reincarnation, according to the Therevada school, when someone attains Enlightenment they will cease worldly rebirth. Alternatively, the Mahayana school believes that a fully-awakened buddha can choose to be reborn, and even choose their rebirths.</p>

<p>From my understanding, there are a lot of other differences--many of them relating to monastic life.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-22T05:00:12.320Z
Theravada school is focused on getting each individual to attain enlightenment as soon as possible and helping others to do the same.
Sankha Kulathantille
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-22T04:12:24.953Z
2014-09-22T04:12:24.953Z
Steve
<p>What are the main differences in theravada and mahayana buddhism? </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-22T01:55:41.053Z
I'd love to know as well. It seems they agree on the main points. So perhaps I'm missing something?
Josh
<theravada><mahayana>
Theravada buddhism and Mahayana buddhism
# Theravada buddhism and Mahayana buddhism

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-09-22)

What are the main differences in theravada and mahayana buddhism?

**Tags:** theravada, mahayana

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I'd love to know as well. It seems they agree on the main points. So perhaps I'm missing something?  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-09-22. Score: 1

The main difference I'm aware of is that the Therevada school is focused on seeking Enlightenment for the individual. The Mahayana school is focused on seeking Enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.

If I remember correctly, for those who believe in the literal Western interpretation of reincarnation, according to the Therevada school, when someone attains Enlightenment they will cease worldly rebirth. Alternatively, the Mahayana school believes that a fully-awakened buddha can choose to be reborn, and even choose their rebirths.

From my understanding, there are a lot of other differences--many of them relating to monastic life.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: Theravada school is focused on getting each individual to attain enlightenment as soon as possible and helping others to do the same.  

---

