Significance of Mahayana
In Dutch: Mahayana; In German: Mahayana; In Finnish: Mahayana; In Spanish: Mahayana; In Swedish: Mahayana; In Malay: Mahayana; In French: Mahayana; In Portugese: Mahayana; In Italian: Mahayana; In Polish: Mahajana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mahayana'
Mahayana Buddhism is a major branch emphasizing the Bodhisattva path, aiming for the enlightenment of all beings. It stresses compassion, wisdom, and altruism, often contrasted with other schools. It developed around 100 B.C.E., and emphasizes the understanding of all dharmas.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Mahayana system, unlike the shravaka system, emphasizes the use of dharanis to maintain qualities and good dharmas, viewing the characteristics of production and disappearance as not ultimately real.[1] (2) The Mahayana scholars disagree with the Hinayana scholars on certain points regarding the subject of compassion, according to the provided text.[2] (3) For the bodhisattva, to fall directly into hell would be less formidable than to remain at the stage of shravaka or pratyekabuddha, which consitutes a definitive loss for it.[3] (4) Referred to as the ‘Greater Vehicle,’ its disciples are taught the emptiness of dharmas because they have keen faculties.[4] (5) The text mentions this concept, and it is suggested that identifying Shakyamuni with any particular Buddha would be a misinterpretation of its intent.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A major tradition of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and the goal of universal liberation.[6] (2) A major form of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and the concept of universal salvation.[7] (3) A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and the pursuit of enlightenment not only for oneself but for all beings.[8] (4) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva, focusing on the collective enlightenment of all beings.[9] (5) The greater vehicle in Buddhism, distinguishing it as a path focused on the salvation of all beings.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the importance of the direct link between devotion to one's root guru, the downpour of the Buddha's blessings, and the dawn of realization.[11] (2) It is a tradition, most people in Tibet have affinity toward this.[12] (3) A major branch of Buddhism for which the study and practice of the Bodhisattva-caryavatara is considered indispensable as it encapsulates its teachings.[13] (4) A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva.[14] (5) A major branch of Buddhism characterized by the pursuit of enlightenment for all beings.[15]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva.[16] (2) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and the quest for enlightenment for the sake of all beings.[17] (3) A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the search for enlightenment not only for oneself but for all beings.[18] (4) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the role of Bodhisattvas and the practice of compassion.[19] (5) A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the path of a Bodhisattva and the importance of compassion and altruism.[20]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The Mahayana establishes the theory of Mind-only because illogicalness is practically possible, allowing sentient beings to become a Buddha and experience enlightenment.[21] (2) When the Yogin establishes himself in the state of imagelessness, he sees not even this.[22] (3) A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva and the importance of compassion and altruism in the quest for enlightenment.[23] (4) A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva and the importance of compassion and enlightenment for all.[24] (5) The 'Great Vehicle' of Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of compassion and pursuing enlightenment for all beings.[25]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the collective salvation of all beings and the pursuit of enlightenment for others.[26] (2) A major branch of Buddhism that was grafted onto the existing Yoga school by Asanga in the 6th century.[27] (3) The 'great vehicle' of Buddhism that introduced new concepts and practices, diverging from traditional interpretations of early teachings.[28]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the ideal of the bodhisattva and the pursuit of collective liberation for all beings, as opposed to individual enlightenment.[29] (2) The branch of Buddhism that Vimalakirti applied himself to energetically, emphasizing the path of compassion and enlightenment.[30] (3) A branch of Buddhism emphasizing the bodhisattva path of altruistic intention toward all living beings.[31]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and the notion of universal salvation.[32]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A branch of Buddhism that was promoted and esteemed by the empress, contrasting with Theravada.[33]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the Bodhisattva path and the aspiration to help others achieve enlightenment.[34]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) A branch of Buddhism characterized by stages of practice and perfections leading towards the ultimate goal of enlightenment.[35]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The text mentions arousing the bodhicitta of the Mahayana as the cause of the path of accumulation.[36] (2) The term refers to a specific school or lineage of thought, and the attainment of a certain state is particularly relevant to individuals within this framework.[37] (3) Referring to the main topic, this constitutes a specific path that is central to the exploration of the text and its underlying principles.[38] (4) A major vehicle of Buddhism characterized by compassion and the aim of Buddhahood for all beings.[39] (5) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the bodhisattva, dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.[40]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Manuscripts of texts related to this branch of Buddhism have been discovered, although they were rather imports from other areas.[41] (2) A tradition of Buddhism in which the connotations of prapanca undergo transformations, explicitly emphasizing the verbal-linguistic aspect.[42] (3) Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism, and the question of continued self-cultivation, moral conduct, and ritual propriety is at the heart of much of Mahayana.[43] (4) This refers to a specific branch of Buddhism, which is also related to a specific period in Indian Buddhism, seen through a particular lens.[44] (5) Mahayana is a significant term, representing a school of thought related to the Sengqi lü, and its teachings are reflected in the Mahayana sutras, influencing Chinese Buddhism.[45]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Refers to the 'great vehicle' of belief in Buddhism characterized by the notion of universal salvation for all beings.[46]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The Mahayana is a spiritual heritage, of which sangs rgyas rin chen pa was possessed, according to the text.[47] (2) A major branch of Buddhism focused on the ideal of universal salvation and the role of bodhisattvas.[48] (3) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.[49] (4) A major tradition within Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and the pursuit of enlightenment for all beings.[50] (5) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of a Bodhisattva and the importance of assisting others in achieving enlightenment.[51]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva and is associated with the teachings discussed in this text.[52]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A major branch of Buddhism that emerged around the same time as the developments of the Great and Abhayagiri Monasteries.[53] (2) A term referring to a broad category of Buddhist teachings that the Vimuttimagga does not contain, focusing instead on the Hinayana tradition.[54]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A term related to a major branch of Buddhism which emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva.[55]
Hindu concept of 'Mahayana'
In Hinduism, Mahayana subtly signifies the path to spiritual liberation, mirroring Krishna's actions. It's also a Buddhist tradition focused on universal enlightenment, with two branches, influencing art and emphasizing the bodhisattva path, ultimately striving for Nirvana.
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the potential for all beings to achieve enlightenment.[56]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Mahayana is one of the traditions of Buddha Darshana, which works for others welfare, and Nirvana is the ultimate goal, which also has two branches.[57]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of a bodhisattva and advocates for the enlightenment of all beings.[58]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The second major school of Buddhism that influenced the Ajanta caves during its later phases.[59]
The concept of Mahayana in local and regional sources
Mahayana Buddhism, the "greater vehicle," is a major school emphasizing collective enlightenment and compassion for all beings. Evolving from earlier traditions, it introduced new doctrines and is known for its altruistic teachings. The Northern school of Buddhists uses this name.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Most of the Buddhist images found are of Buddhas of the usual conventional type and belong to the Mahayana, the faith adopted by the Sailendras.[60] (2) This is a later form of Buddhism that Asoka did not adopt, which is characterized by the representation of the Buddha in human form.[61] (3) Later Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods[62] (4) Between this Buddhism and the revived Puranic or Tantric Hinduism there was little difference in outlook. It represents a major branch of Buddhism that shares similarities.[63] (5) A later school of Buddhism that emphasizes the collective attainment of enlightenment.[64]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the name the Northern school of Buddhists uses, and they worship Buddha in name only, as stated in the text.[65] (2) The Mahayana is held to be the older of the two schools of Buddhism, as stated by the author in his discussion.[66]
The concept of Mahayana in scientific sources
The text mentions Mahayana in relation to hypotheses about the origins of Mahayana, specifically linking its development to meditation practices, according to regional sources.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) This school of thought was the origin of the majority of the material that Kerouac read. His diaries are overwhelmingly focused on texts and teachings from this school.[67] (2) The this belief in bodhisattvas is linked to a certain type of merit transfer.[68] (3) The teachings of the Mahayana covered the east, beginning in the time of Emperor Ming.[69] (4) For the hypotheses linking meditation to the origin of Mahayana.[70]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is one strain of Buddhism practiced in the Himalayas, distinct from the “original” Therevada, and it is “more amenable to idealist interpretations” of interdependence.[71]