Mahayana is a term used in Buddhism to describe one of the major branches or traditions of the religion. The term is derived from Sanskrit, where "maha" means "great" and "yana" means "vehicle" or "path," suggesting that Mahayana is the "Great Vehicle" or the "Great Path."
Mahayana encompasses a broad range of Buddhist beliefs and practices that originated in ancient India and later spread throughout East Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. It is distinguished from other branches, such as Theravada Buddhism, by its emphasis on altruism, compassion, and the idea of the bodhisattva, an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to assist others in attaining enlightenment.
Mahayana followers believe in the idea of universal liberation, aspiring to help not only themselves but also all other sentient beings achieve awakening. This branch places great importance on the concepts of compassion and loving-kindness, emphasizing the cultivation of these qualities through practices like meditation, prayer, and acts of service.
Within Mahayana, there are various sub-schools and philosophical systems, including Zen, Pure Land, and Tiantai. Each of these traditions has its own unique practices and interpretations of Buddhist teachings, but they all share the common goal of seeking enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
Overall, Mahayana is characterized by its inclusive and accessible approach to Buddhism. It seeks to make enlightenment attainable for all individuals, encouraging the pursuit of wisdom, compassion, and ultimately, the liberation from suffering.
