mahayana

Mahayana is one of the two major divisions of Buddhism, the other being Theravada. The term, meaning “great vehicle,” refers to a broad movement that emerged in South and Central Asia in the last centuries BCE and the early centuries CE. It presented a path aimed at universal liberation, expanding the scope of spiritual goals beyond individual arhatship to the enlightenment of all beings.

A defining feature of Mahayana is the bodhisattva ideal. Practitioners aspire to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of every sentient being, postponing final nirvana until all are freed from suffering. This emphasis on universal compassion and skillful means shapes ethical and devotional practices, including vows, acts of generosity, and dedicated meditation. Mahayana also develops a diverse sutra literature and philosophical schools that address questions of reality and knowledge. Central ideas include the doctrine of emptiness (śūnyatā), challenging fixed views of phenomena, and the aspiration to transform samsaric existence through wisdom and compassion. Two influential philosophical streams within Mahayana are Madhyamaka, associated with Nagarjuna and emphasizing emptiness, and Yogācāra, which stresses the primacy of mind and cognitive processes.

Mahayana spread widely in East Asia, giving rise to schools such as Tiantai, Huayan, Chan/Zen, and Pure Land, as well as influencing Buddhist traditions in Tibet and Central Asia. In Tibetan contexts, Mahayana is often linked with Vajrayana, the tantric path considered an advanced vehicle within the broader Mahayana framework. The movement has profoundly shaped Buddhist thought, art, and practice across Asia and beyond.