key term - Mahayana

Definition

Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, characterized by its inclusive approach and emphasis on the concept of the Bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the sake of all sentient beings. This tradition is rich in diverse teachings and practices, with a focus on compassion and the potential for everyone to achieve Buddhahood. Its teachings are often linked to core Buddhist principles such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and it plays a significant role in the history and development of early Buddhist schools and councils, as well as in the spread of Buddhism across different cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mahayana emerged around the 1st century CE, expanding Buddhism's reach beyond its earlier, more monastic roots.
2. This branch encourages the practice of compassion towards all living beings and supports the idea that anyone can attain enlightenment.
3. Mahayana includes various schools, such as Pure Land and Tibetan Buddhism, each with unique beliefs and practices but united by core Mahayana principles.
4. Mahayana texts often emphasize philosophical concepts such as emptiness (śūnyatā) and interdependence, which explore the nature of reality and existence.
5. The Mahayana tradition has significantly influenced cultures in East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, leading to various cultural adaptations of Buddhist practices.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the Bodhisattva differentiate Mahayana from other branches of Buddhism?
  • The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, setting it apart from Theravada Buddhism. In Mahayana, a Bodhisattva is someone who has achieved enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara to assist others in reaching enlightenment. This reflects Mahayana's broader emphasis on compassion and altruism compared to other schools that focus more on individual liberation.
• Discuss how Mahayana texts contribute to understanding its philosophical teachings compared to early Buddhist scriptures.
  • Mahayana texts, such as the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra, offer rich philosophical discussions that expand on early Buddhist teachings found in texts like the Pali Canon. These Mahayana scriptures introduce concepts like emptiness and non-duality, providing deeper insights into the nature of reality. They emphasize that enlightenment is not just an individual goal but a collective journey towards liberation for all beings, thus broadening the scope of Buddhist philosophy.
• Evaluate how Mahayana Buddhism's expansion influenced its cultural adaptations across different regions, particularly in East Asia.
  • Mahayana Buddhism's expansion greatly influenced its cultural adaptations in regions like China and Japan through syncretism with local beliefs. In China, it interacted with Daoism and Confucianism, leading to unique schools like Chan (Zen). In Japan, it incorporated Shinto elements into its practices. This blending allowed Mahayana to resonate with diverse populations while maintaining core teachings, showcasing its flexibility and ability to evolve within different cultural contexts.

Related terms

Bodhisattva:

A being who has attained enlightenment but delays their entry into Nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.

Sutra: A sacred text in Buddhism that records the teachings of the Buddha and other important figures in Mahayana Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism:

A school within Mahayana that emphasizes meditation (zazen) as a means to attain enlightenment and experience reality directly.