In many religions, divinity refers to a single, all-powerful God. But in Mahayana Buddhism, the idea is very different. There is no one supreme creator. Instead, Mahayana Buddhism speaks about awakened beings called Buddhas and bodhisattvas. These beings have deep wisdom and great compassion. They are not gods in the traditional sense, but they have divine-like qualities.
The Mahayana View of Ultimate Reality
Mahayana Buddhism teaches that the highest truth is not a being, but a state of understanding. This is called emptiness or śūnyatā. Emptiness means that everything exists in relation to everything else. Nothing has a permanent, independent self. This truth is at the heart of the universe, and realizing it brings liberation.
Is There a Supreme Being in Mahayana?
Mahayana Buddhism does not recognize a supreme god who created the world. Instead, it speaks about the Dharmakaya, or the “Truth Body” of the Buddha. The Dharmakaya is not a person. It is the absolute reality. It is the source of all Buddhas and all wisdom. You could say it is divine, but it is not a god. It is the nature of things as they really are.
The Role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Who Are the Buddhas?
In Mahayana Buddhism, there are many Buddhas. The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is only one of them. Other well-known Buddhas include Amitabha, Vairocana, and Akshobhya. These Buddhas live in different realms. They help sentient beings in many ways. They are respected and worshipped, but not as creators. They are seen as teachers and guides.
The Bodhisattvas: Divine Helpers
Bodhisattvas are beings who seek enlightenment not just for themselves but for all beings. They take a vow to delay their own final enlightenment until all others are freed from suffering. Famous bodhisattvas include Avalokiteshvara (the bodhisattva of compassion), Manjushri (wisdom), and Ksitigarbha (protector of the dead). They are often described as divine, but they are still on the path to Buddhahood.
Why Worship These Beings?
People in the Mahayana tradition may pray to Buddhas and bodhisattvas. They ask for help, comfort, and protection. But this worship is not the same as worshipping a god. It is more like showing great respect to a wise friend or a caring teacher. These beings are seen as examples of what we can become.
Different Bodies of the Buddha
Trikaya: The Three Bodies of the Buddha
Mahayana Buddhism teaches that the Buddha has three “bodies” or forms:
- Dharmakaya: The truth body. This is the absolute reality and wisdom of the Buddha.
- Sambhogakaya: The body of bliss. This is how Buddhas appear in heavenly realms.
- Nirmanakaya: The transformation body. This is how Buddhas appear in the human world, like Gautama Buddha.
These three aspects help explain how the Buddha can be everywhere and help everyone.
The Concept of Ultimate Reality
Emptiness as Supreme Truth
The idea of emptiness (śūnyatā) is one of the most important teachings in Mahayana. It means that nothing exists by itself. Everything is connected. This truth goes beyond gods or people. It is the ultimate nature of reality. Realizing this truth is the goal of Buddhist practice.
Buddha-Nature: The Seed of Divinity
Mahayana also teaches about Buddha-nature. This is the idea that every being already has the potential to become a Buddha. It is like a seed of awakening inside everyone. This is a hopeful and positive teaching. It means that divine qualities are already within us.
Comparing with Other Religions
No Creator God
Unlike Christianity or Islam, Mahayana Buddhism does not believe in a single, all-powerful creator. The universe is not made by a god. Instead, it arises through causes and conditions. Everything is interconnected and ever-changing.
Divine-Like Figures, But Not Gods
Buddhas and bodhisattvas are sometimes seen as divine. They have powers and wisdom. But they are not eternal beings. They reached their state through practice. And we can too. This makes them different from gods in other religions.
The Spiritual Goal in Mahayana Buddhism
Becoming a Buddha
The ultimate goal is to become a Buddha. This means reaching full enlightenment. It means understanding emptiness completely and acting with total compassion. It also means helping others along the way.
The Bodhisattva Path
Many Mahayana followers choose the bodhisattva path. They make a vow to save all beings from suffering. They try to develop six perfections: generosity, discipline, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. This path is a deep spiritual practice.
The Divine in Practice
Chanting and Prayer
Mahayana Buddhists often chant the names of Buddhas or bodhisattvas. One popular chant is “Namo Amituofo,” used to call on Amitabha Buddha. Chanting helps calm the mind and focus the heart.
Devotion and Visualization
Some Mahayana traditions use visualization. Practitioners imagine Buddhas and bodhisattvas in great detail. They picture them in heavenly realms. This helps create a strong connection. It can also inspire deep devotion.
Offerings and Rituals
In temples, people offer incense, flowers, or food to statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. These are acts of respect and gratitude. They also remind people of the qualities they want to develop—like wisdom, peace, and compassion.
Divine Wisdom: The Heart of the Teaching
Prajñā: Deep Insight
Prajñā means wisdom. It is the kind of knowing that sees beyond appearances. It sees emptiness, interdependence, and impermanence. This wisdom is the heart of the Mahayana path. It is more important than belief in any god or being.
Compassion and Wisdom Together
Mahayana always brings compassion and wisdom together. A true Buddha is both wise and loving. These two qualities support each other. Together, they make enlightenment possible.
Is There Anything Supreme?
The Supreme Is Not a Being
In Mahayana Buddhism, what is supreme is not a god or person. It is the Dharma—the truth of how things are. It is emptiness, compassion, and the potential for awakening. These are the highest values. They guide our lives and practice.
Divinity in Every Being
Because of Buddha-nature, every being has a spark of the divine. Every life matters. Every person can wake up. This is a deep and beautiful idea. It gives hope and meaning to the path.
Conclusion
Mahayana Buddhism offers a unique view of the divine. It does not rely on a creator god. Instead, it honors awakened beings, celebrates deep truths, and believes in the power of all beings to grow. What is supreme is not a ruler in the sky, but the Dharma, the practice of compassion, and the wisdom of emptiness.
This gentle yet profound path continues to guide millions across the world today, inviting all beings to discover the divine potential already within.
