Mahāyāna Buddhism, Mahāyāna often referred to as the ‘Great Vehicle,’ is one of the major branches of Buddhism that originated in India and later spread across various parts of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet. Characterized by its focus on the Bodhisattva ideal, it aims not only for the individual enlightenment of its practitioners but also for the enlightenment and liberation of all sentient beings. This form of Buddhism emerged around the 1st century CE as a more liberal, adaptive set of interpretations and practices that distinguished itself from the then-dominant tradition of Theravāda Buddhism.
Central to Mahayana Philosophy is the concept of ‘emptiness’ (Sanskrit: Shunyata, शून्यता), which posits that all phenomena lack inherent existence and are interdependently co-arisen. Mahāyāna Buddhism also includes a rich array of philosophical schools like Madhyamika and Yogacara, as well as practices that involve complex rituals and the recitation of Mantras, often integrated into the Vajrayāna or Tantric Buddhism tradition, especially in Tibetan Buddhism.
Scripturally, Mahāyāna Buddhism is grounded in a wide array of texts known as Mahayana Sutras, which include The Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and The Lotus Sūtra among others. These texts often feature elaborate cosmologies, a pantheon of celestial Buddhas and Bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, and teachings on advanced meditation techniques and ethical practices aimed at cultivating wisdom and compassion.
In terms of practice, Mahāyāna Buddhism places a strong emphasis on altruism and compassion, captured in the Bodhisattva vow—a pledge to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings. This is complemented by various forms of meditation, ethical discipline, and ritual practices that vary significantly across cultures and regions.
Mahāyāna Buddhism has further diversified over the centuries, giving rise to several sub-schools and regional traditions, such as Chán Buddhism or Zen Buddhism in China and Japan, Pure Land Buddhism focused on the celestial Buddha Amitabha, and the esoteric practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Despite its diversity, the core Mahāyāna commitment to universal enlightenment and compassionate action remains a unifying thread across its many expressions.
Today, Mahāyāna Buddhism continues to be a major religious and philosophical system, influencing the lives of millions around the world and contributing to global discussions on ethics, mindfulness, and interfaith dialogue.
The Buddhist Scriptures originated in India in the 6th century before Christ, then spread throughout Asia - including Nepal , Sri Lanka , Myanmar , Thailand , Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Tibet , China , Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Taiwan & Singapore — giving rise to various sacred traditions and texts.
The Tipiṭaka serves as the foundational canon for Theravāda Buddhism.