Mahayana is one of the two major schools of Buddhism. The word “Mahayana” means “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit. It is called this because it aims to help all beings reach enlightenment, not just monks or those who renounce the world. Mahayana Buddhism is known for its broad compassion, deep wisdom, and wide path that includes many people.
Mahayana Buddhism began a few centuries after the death of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. It developed as a movement that expanded on the original teachings. While it keeps many core ideas from early Buddhism, it adds new scriptures, practices, and goals. This makes Mahayana both traditional and innovative at the same time.
Basic Teachings of Mahayana Buddhism
1. The Bodhisattva Ideal
One of the key teachings in Mahayana is the Bodhisattva path. A Bodhisattva is someone who wants to become a Buddha but chooses to stay in the world to help others. This is different from the Arhat ideal in early Buddhism, where a person reaches nirvana for their own liberation.
A Bodhisattva makes a vow to save all sentient beings before reaching full enlightenment. This vow is a deep act of compassion. Practicing loving-kindness, patience, and wisdom are all part of the Bodhisattva’s journey.
2. Emptiness (Shunyata)
Mahayana teachings often focus on the idea of emptiness. Emptiness does not mean nothing exists. Instead, it means that all things are dependent on causes and conditions. Nothing has a fixed, unchanging self.
This idea helps people reduce attachment and understand the nature of reality more clearly. The famous Mahayana text, the Heart Sutra, says “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.” This points to the deep truth that everything is connected and always changing.
3. The Three Bodies of a Buddha (Trikaya)
Mahayana Buddhism teaches that a Buddha has three “bodies”:
- Dharmakaya – the truth body, representing the Buddha’s mind and universal truth.
- Sambhogakaya – the enjoyment body, appearing in pure lands to help advanced beings.
- Nirmanakaya – the physical body, like the historical Buddha who lived in India.
This view helps explain how Buddhas can still help beings even after they have passed from this world.
Mahayana Scriptures and Sutras
1. New Texts and Teachings
Mahayana Buddhism uses many new scriptures that were not part of early Buddhist texts. These are called “sutras,” and they are written in Sanskrit. Some well-known Mahayana sutras include:
- The Lotus Sutra
- The Heart Sutra
- The Diamond Sutra
- The Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra)
These texts introduce new teachings like the infinite wisdom of Buddhas, the power of compassion, and the vast nature of reality.
2. Importance of the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important texts in Mahayana. It teaches that all people can become Buddhas and that the Buddha’s teachings are eternal. It uses stories and symbols to explain how enlightenment is open to everyone, not just monks or those in temples.
Mahayana Buddhism History and Development
Mahayana Buddhism started around the 1st century BCE in India. It then spread to many other countries, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and Vietnam. Each country shaped Mahayana Buddhism in its own way, leading to different schools and practices.
1. Spread to China
Mahayana entered China along the Silk Road. There, it met Chinese philosophy and mixed with ideas like Confucianism and Taoism. This gave birth to schools like Chan (Zen), Tiantai, and Pure Land. Chinese Mahayana texts were translated from Sanskrit into Chinese, making them easier to understand for local people.
2. Spread to Japan and Korea
From China, Mahayana spread to Korea and then Japan. In Japan, it became very strong, and many new schools appeared, such as:
- Zen – focusing on meditation and direct experience.
- Pure Land – focusing on devotion to Amitabha Buddha.
- Nichiren – based on faith in the Lotus Sutra.
In Korea, the Hwaeom school and Seon Buddhism (similar to Zen) became important.
3. Spread to Tibet and Vietnam
In Tibet, Mahayana mixed with Vajrayana, also called Tibetan Buddhism. This form uses rituals, mantras, and visualizations. The Dalai Lama is a famous teacher of Tibetan Buddhism. In Vietnam, Mahayana is the main form of Buddhism today, influenced by both Chinese and local traditions.
Major Schools of Mahayana
1. Zen (Chan) Buddhism
Zen began in China as Chan Buddhism. It focuses on meditation (zazen) and direct experience. Zen teaches that enlightenment is found in everyday life. Words and logic are not enough to see the truth. Silent sitting, mindfulness, and teacher-student relationships are key in Zen practice.
2. Pure Land Buddhism
This school is based on faith in Amitabha Buddha. People chant his name to be reborn in the Pure Land, a special realm where enlightenment is easy to achieve. This path is simple and open to all, even those with little knowledge or practice. Pure Land is very popular in East Asia.
3. Madhyamaka (Middle Way School)
This is a philosophical school started by Nagarjuna. It explains the idea of emptiness in detail. Madhyamaka says that nothing exists on its own. Everything depends on other things. This deep view helps remove attachment and confusion about reality.
4. Yogacara (Consciousness-Only School)
This school teaches that all we experience comes through consciousness. What we see as “outside” is actually shaped by our mind. Yogacara helps us understand how thoughts and habits shape our world. Changing our mind leads to peace and wisdom.
Mahayana Practices
1. Meditation
Meditation is central to Mahayana Buddhism. There are many kinds, including:
- Mindfulness (Vipassana)
- Concentration (Samatha)
- Loving-kindness (Metta)
- Visualization of Buddhas
Meditation helps calm the mind, develop compassion, and see reality clearly.
2. Chanting and Recitation
Chanting sutras or mantras is common. It helps focus the mind and express devotion. Pure Land Buddhists chant “Namo Amituofo” or “Namu Amida Butsu” to connect with Amitabha Buddha. Tibetan Buddhists chant mantras like “Om Mani Padme Hum.”
3. Compassion and Altruism
Mahayana places a strong focus on compassion. Helping others is a key part of practice. This includes simple acts of kindness, as well as big efforts to relieve suffering in the world. The Bodhisattva ideal reminds people to serve others first.
Beliefs of Mahayana Buddhists
Mahayana Buddhists believe that the Buddha’s teachings are timeless. They believe in many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who help people on their path. The goal is not just personal peace, but full enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
Many followers also believe in the existence of Pure Lands, sacred realms created by Buddhas. These places are full of light and peace. Being born there makes it easier to reach enlightenment. Pure Land practice is popular because it gives hope and comfort to many.
Differences Between Mahayana and Theravada
1. Goal of Practice
Theravada focuses on becoming an Arhat—one who ends their own suffering. Mahayana focuses on becoming a Bodhisattva—one who helps others first. Mahayana says this is the greater path because it serves all beings.
2. Scriptures
Theravada uses the Pali Canon. Mahayana adds many new sutras in Sanskrit. These include teachings on emptiness, Pure Lands, and Bodhisattvas.
3. View of the Buddha
Theravada sees the Buddha as a great teacher who lived and died. Mahayana sees the Buddha as more than human, with cosmic and eternal qualities. This shows in the idea of the three bodies of Buddha (Trikaya).
Conclusion
Mahayana Buddhism is a rich and deep path that offers wisdom, compassion, and hope to people around the world. Its teachings help both beginners and advanced seekers. By focusing on helping others, practicing meditation, and understanding emptiness, Mahayana offers a way to inner peace and awakening for all.
Whether you are new to Buddhism or have been practicing for years, Mahayana opens a path that welcomes all beings.
