It is true that many Theravada Buddhists do not consider
Mahayana sutras as authentic.
Let me quote this passage from 'What Buddhists Believe' by
Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda (4th Edition).
"...Although Theravada Buddhists respect Bodhisatvas, they do
not regard them as being in the position to enlighten or save
others before their own enlightenment. Bodhisatvas are,
therefore, not regarded as saviours in a spiritual sense. In
order to gain their final salvation, all beings must follow the
method prescribed by the Buddha and follow the example set by
Him. They must also personally eradicate their mental
defilements and develop all the great virtues: no one can give them
salvation.
Theravada Buddhists do not subscribe to the belief that everyone
must strive to become a Buddha in order to gain Nirvana.
However, the 'Bodhi' is used to refer to the qualities of a Buddha,
or Pacceka Buddha and Arahant in expressions such as Samma Sam
Bodhi, Pacceka Bodhi and Savaka Bodhi.
In addition, many of the Buddhas mentioned in the Mahayana
school are not historical Buddhas and are therefore not given much
attention by Theravada Buddhists.
The notion that certain Buddhas and Bodhisatvas are waiting in
Sukhavati (Pure Land) for those who pray is a notion
quite foreign to the fundamental Teachings of the
Buddha. Certain Bodhisattvas are said to voluntarily remain
in Sukhavati, without gaining enlightenment themselves,
until every living being is saved. Given the magnitude of the
universe and the infinite number of beings who are enslaved by
ignorance and selfish desire, this is clearly an impossible task,
since there can be no end to the number of beings in the whole
universe.
...The belief of some people that the Bodhisatvas exist in a
particular world system as some sort of divine beings is
not consistent with the teaching of the Buddha.
Bodhisatvas exist in any part of the world by cultivating the great
virtues and precepts in order to gain enlightenment. They generally
do so as human beings."
- Pg 29 and 30, Life and Message of the Buddha
To me, the above passage can or may have the effect of
persuading a new Buddhist not to consider the Pureland teachings
seriously.
Most of the people I know of are either practicing Zen or
Pureland. So I am curious what do you and most of the forumers here
are practicing ? Can you let me know your practice in
Chinese as I am not too sure about English Buddhist term ?
It is very difficult to gain enlightenment in this earthly
world, thus most of us choose to go to Pureland to further
practice. Everybody has different level of wisdom, that is why
Buddha preached Pureland teachings for people like me.
Bodhisatvas are able to gain Nirvana anytime. It is because they
know that sentiment beings need help and out of compassion
they remain as Bodhisatvas. Their existence is something
that we cannot deny. Especially Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin Pusa),
there are many Buddhists and Taoists experienced and feel her
presence.