Mahāyāna

Mahāyāna (Skt., the great vehicle). A major movement in the history of Buddhism embracing many schools in a sweeping reinterpretation of fundamental religious ideals, beliefs and values. Although there is no evidence for the existence of Mahāyāna prior to the 2nd century ce, it can be assumed that the movement began to crystallise earlier, incorporating teachings of existing schools. Great emphasis is placed on the twin values of compassion (karuṇā) and insight (prajñā). The Bodhisattva who devotes himself to the service of others becomes the new paradigm for religious practice, as opposed to the Arhat who is criticised for leading a cloistered life devoted to the self-interested pursuit of liberation. Schools which embraced the earlier ideal are henceforth referred to disparagingly as the Hīnayāna (Small Vehicle), or the Śrāvakayāna (Vehicle of the Hearers).

The philosophical teachings of the Mahāyāna are adumbrated in a new body of literature known as the Prajñā-pāramitā Sūtras or ‘Perfection of Insight’ texts. Here the doctrine of emptiness (śūnyatā) comes to prominence, and the Buddha is seen in a new light as a supernatural being who is worthy of loving devotion. This new conception of his nature is later formalized in the doctrine of the trikāya (three bodies). In due course new teachings and schools arose under the umbrella of the Mahāyāna such as the Mādhyamaka, the Yogācāra, the Pure Land tradition, and the Vajrayāna. The Mahāyāna form of Buddhism is predominant in north Asia. It spread from India to Nepal, Tibet, and central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. Under the influence of these cultures it has taken many forms: the Buddhism of Nepal and Tibet has been influenced by tantric practices and the shamanism of central Asia, while in China the influence of Taoism and Confucianism have left their mark. The interaction between Buddhism and Taoism gave rise to the Ch'an school of contemplative quietism which developed into Japanese zen.