Mahayana

Mahayana, or the "Great Vehicle," is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, predominant in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Emerging around the 1st century BCE, it emphasizes the bodhisattva path—seeking enlightenment to liberate all beings rather than only personal liberation.

It focuses on compassion, wisdom, and the "bodhicitta" aspiration.

Key Aspects of Mahayana Buddhism:

• The Bodhisattva Ideal: The central goal is to become a bodhisattva—a being who vows to attain full buddhahood to help others, practicing virtues (paramitas) like generosity, patience, and wisdom.

• Geography: It is the largest branch of Buddhism, prevailing in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam) and parts of Central Asia (Tibet, Mongolia).

• Doctrines: Emphasizes emptiness (shunyata), the idea that all things lack a permanent, independent self. It also promotes the concept of universal "Buddha nature" within all beings.

• Scriptures: Mahayana recognizes early Buddhist teachings but adds Mahayana Sutras (e.g., Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra).

• Practices: include meditation, chanting, and, in traditions like Pure Land, devotion to Amitabha Buddha.

• Schools: Includes diverse traditions such as Zen (Chan), Pure Land, Tiantai, and Nichiren.