4.2 Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism, a major branch of the religion, emphasizes compassion and the bodhisattva path. It introduces key concepts like Buddha-nature and emptiness, reshaping Buddhist philosophy and practice. This evolution marks a significant shift from earlier forms of Buddhism.

Mahayana's influence spread across Asia, giving rise to diverse schools like Pure Land and Zen. These traditions offer unique approaches to enlightenment, from devotional practices to meditation, making Buddhism more accessible to a wider audience.

Key Concepts

Bodhisattva and Buddha-nature

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• Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment
• Bodhisattvas embody compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajna) in their efforts to guide all beings towards liberation
• Bodhisattva path is open to everyone, not just monks, as all beings possess Buddha-nature
• Buddha-nature refers to the inherent potential for enlightenment within all sentient beings
  • It is the fundamental, pure nature of the mind that is obscured by ignorance and delusions
  • Recognizing and cultivating one's Buddha-nature is essential for achieving enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism

Sunyata and Upaya

• Sunyata, or emptiness, is a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism
  • It asserts that all phenomena lack inherent existence and are dependent on causes and conditions
  • Understanding sunyata helps overcome attachment and leads to the realization of the ultimate nature of reality
• Upaya, or skillful means, refers to the various methods and teachings used by Bodhisattvas to guide beings towards enlightenment
  • Upaya is adapted to the needs and capacities of different individuals
  • Examples of upaya include parables, meditation techniques, and philosophical discourse

Major Texts

Lotus Sutra

• The Lotus Sutra is one of the most influential and revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism
• It emphasizes the universality of Buddha-nature and the potential for all beings to achieve Buddhahood
• The sutra introduces the concept of skillful means (upaya) and the idea that the historical Buddha's teachings were provisional
• It also presents the idea of the eternal Buddha, who manifests in various forms to guide beings to enlightenment

Mahayana sutras

• Mahayana sutras are a collection of texts that form the basis of Mahayana Buddhist doctrine and practice
• These sutras were composed in Sanskrit and later translated into various Asian languages
• Key Mahayana sutras include:
  • Heart Sutra: concisely presents the concept of emptiness (sunyata) and the perfection of wisdom
  • Diamond Sutra: emphasizes the importance of non-attachment and the illusory nature of phenomena
  • Lankavatara Sutra: explores the nature of consciousness and the doctrine of Buddha-nature

Schools of Mahayana

Pure Land Buddhism

• Pure Land Buddhism focuses on devotion to Amitabha Buddha and the aspiration to be reborn in his Pure Land
• Practitioners engage in chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha (nembutsu) as a means of cultivating faith and merit
• Pure Land teachings emphasize that enlightenment can be attained through sincere devotion and reliance on Amitabha Buddha's compassionate vows
• This school became popular among lay Buddhists due to its accessibility and promise of salvation

Zen Buddhism

• Zen Buddhism emphasizes direct insight into one's Buddha-nature through meditation and mindfulness practices
• Zen teaches that enlightenment can be attained through sudden awakening (satori) rather than gradual cultivation
• Zen practitioners engage in sitting meditation (zazen) and koan practice to challenge conceptual thinking and facilitate direct realization
• Koans are paradoxical questions or statements used by Zen masters to test and stimulate students' understanding
  • A famous example is "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
• Zen Buddhism developed unique artistic expressions, such as calligraphy, painting, and the tea ceremony, as means of expressing and cultivating enlightenment in daily life