Mahayana Buddhism, a major branch of the religion, emphasizes and the path. It introduces key concepts like and , 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 and . 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
, 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
, 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 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:
: concisely presents the concept of emptiness (sunyata) and the perfection of wisdom
: emphasizes the importance of non-attachment and the illusory nature of phenomena
: 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