Mahayana

Mahāyāna is the largest branch of Buddhism in the world.

The term translates to "Great Vehicle." This name refers to a path that can carry many people toward enlightenment. It is often called the "Bodhisattva Vehicle," or Bodhisattvayāna. This describes the path of a bodhisattva. A bodhisattva is a person who strives to become a fully awakened Buddha. They do this specifically for the benefit of all sentient beings. Unlike some other traditions, Mahāyāna views the goal of Buddhahood as being available to everyone. It suggests that the state of an arhat is incomplete compared to this broader goal.

This tradition is built upon a vast collection of texts and philosophies. Mahāyāna accepts the core teachings of early Buddhism. However, it also recognizes many different doctrines and texts. These include the Mahāyāna sūtras, which are sacred scriptures. These texts often emphasize the bodhisattva path and the concept of Prajñāpāramitā, or perfection of wisdom.

Mahāyāna also introduces many Buddhas and bodhisattvas not found in the Theravada tradition. Notable examples include Amitābha and Vairocana.

The tradition also includes unique concepts like Trikaya, which describes the three bodies of a Buddha, and Upaya, or skillful means.

Philosophical depth is a central feature of Mahāyāna thought. It promotes several unique theories about reality and the mind. One major theory is the Madhyamaka theory of emptiness, known as śūnyatā. This idea explores the nature of existence and interconnectedness. Another important school is Vijñānavāda, which is also called the "mind-only" doctrine or the doctrine of consciousness.

Additionally, the tradition teaches the concept of Buddha-nature. This is the idea that all beings possess the potential to achieve enlightenment. Within Mahāyāna, there is also a subset known as Vajrayāna, or Mantra traditions. Vajrayānists use various Tantric methods to help them achieve Buddhahood.

The exact origins of Mahāyāna remain a subject of intense scholarly debate. There are several competing theories about how this movement began. One theory is the lay origins theory. It suggests that laypersons played a major role in its development. This idea is based on texts like the Vimalakirti Sūtra, which praises lay figures. However, many scholars no longer accept this because many early works also promote monasticism. Another theory is the Mahāsāṃghika origin theory. This suggests Mahāyāna developed within the Mahāsāṃghika tradition in southern India.

Some scholars believe these ideas may have developed near the Kṛṣṇa River in the Āndhra region.

Other scholars propose different starting points for the tradition. The "forest hypothesis" suggests that Mahāyāna arose among forest-dwelling ascetics. These were monks who lived in the woods to imitate the Buddha's lifestyle. Some researchers also look toward Gandhara and northwest India as important regions.

Regarding the name itself, some suggest it may have evolved from the Prakrit word mahājāna, meaning "great knowing." This might have happened because the word was phonetically similar to mahāyāna. The term "Mahāyāna" was originally an honorary synonym for the Bodhisattva Vehicle. It was not always used to describe a separate, formal school of Buddhism.

Historically, Mahāyāna became a powerful force in India. It supported large scholastic centers that thrived between the 7th and 12th centuries.

Two of the most famous centers were Nalanda and Vikramashila. These institutions were vital for the study and spread of Buddhist philosophy. From South Asia, Mahāyāna spread to East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan regions. It has shaped the cultures of many different nations over many centuries. Today, it remains a dominant religious force across much of the Asian continent.

Mahāyāna is currently the largest major tradition of Buddhism. According to data from 2010, it accounts for a significant portion of the global Buddhist population. Approximately 53% of Buddhists belong to East Asian Mahāyāna. Another 6% belong to the Vajrayāna tradition.

In comparison, the Theravada tradition accounts for 36% of Buddhists. Mahāyāna is the predominant form of Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is also the dominant form in Tibet, Mongolia, and Bhutan. It also exists as a minority in places like Nepal and within various Asian diaspora communities.