Mahayana

Mahayana

Mahayana is a Buddhist movement, which formed in India around the first century CE. Mahayana followers articulated their goal of achieving buddhahood, or awakening, as the means to help all living beings, which is known as bodhicitta. Mahayana sutras such as Prajnaparamita, Avatamsaka, The Lotus Sutra, and others represent this goal in their narratives and explain how to reach it in their philosophical propositions. These texts introduced the idea of infinite buddhas in infinite intersecting universes and powerful bodhisattvas with the ability to intercede in human affairs. Mahayana philosophy emphasizes the teachings on emptiness, according to the Madhyamaka school and the ethical practices in the context of the bodhicitta. In Himalayan Buddhist traditions, Mahayana is considered the foundation for Vajrayana practices. Along with Theravada and Vajrayana it comprises the Three Vehicles of Buddhist paths. Mahayana teachings are also practiced today in China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.

greater vehicle