My life is training to satori: Comparing the Theravada with Mahayana

Although both of the Theravada and Mahayana have strict monastic traditions, there are differences between them in the following points.  The Theravada is called “Teachings of the Elders”, and the aim is to help only a few people who went through rigorous trainings.  On the other hand, the Mahayana is called “Great Vehicle”, and the purpose is to help all animate beings.

For me, the Mahayana is more attractive than the Theravada.  That is because I suppose that the Theravada focuses on the rescue of individual, but the Mahayana pays attention to others with altruistic love.  Please look at a lot of serious problems in the world now, for example, global warming, disastrous war, and economic crisis...  Why these problems were happened?  I know that there are various complicated reasons in these problems, but I think that one of the reasons is lack of thoughtful consideration to others.  It is true that the quality of our life is improving day by day.  However, how about is the wealth of our heart?  Do we become egocentric too much?  Do we need to be more worldcentric?  Please remember the teaching of the Mahayana, altruistic love.  Therefore, I believe that the Mahayana has greater wisdom to offer the world right now.

Regarding to the personal and social transformation, please ask yourself this question: “Who is Buddha?”  Buddha is me?  Buddha is you?  Buddha is he or she?  I suppose that all the answers are right, because Buddha is the universe and we are the universe.  Therefore, all of us are Buddha.  

Of course, we need severe trainings to become Buddha.  However, our life is full of ups and downs.  Can anyone deny the idea that our life is not full of strict ascetic and spiritual trainings?  In my view, our life is the journey of training in itself, and we walk along a path to satori every day.  I’d like to live my life mindfully being aware of the idea that my life is a kind of training to satori.