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Mahayana
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.

Ma·ha·ya·na

noun \ˌmä-hə-ˈyä-nə\

Definition of MAHAYANA

: a liberal and theistic branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in China and Japan, recognizing a large body of scripture in addition to the Pali canon, and teaching social concern and universal salvation — compare theravada

— Ma·ha·ya·nist \-ˈyä-nist\ noun or adjective

— Ma·ha·ya·nis·tic \-yä-ˈnis-tik\ adjective

Origin of MAHAYANA

Sanskrit mahāyāna, literally, great vehicle

First Known Use: 1855

Rhymes with MAHAYANA

belladonna, French Guiana, Haryana, Hinayana, hiragana, ikebana, Ludhiana, marijuana, parmigiana, pozzolana, prima donna, Rajputana, Rosh Hashanah

Mahayana

noun (Concise Encyclopedia)

One of the three major Buddhist traditions. It arose in the 1st century AD and is widely followed today in China (including Tibet), Korea, and Japan. Mahayanists distinguish themselves from the more conservative Theravada Buddhists of Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Whereas the Theravadins view the historical Buddha as a (merely) human teacher of the truth, Mahayanists see him as an earthly manifestation of a celestial Buddha. Mahayanists revere bodhisattvas, key figures in universal salvation. Compassion, the chief virtue of the bodhisattva, is valued as highly as wisdom, the virtue emphasized by the ancient Buddhists. Within Mahayana Buddhism, some branches emphasize esoteric practices (e.g., Shingon, Tibetan Buddhism). See also Kegon, Nichiren Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, Tiantai, Zen.