Buddhism: Mahāyāna

Buddhism is a religion founded upon and inspired by the teachings of the individual referred to as ‘Buddha’. The tradition originated in northern India as one among multiple countermovements to the dominant religion at the time (approx. 4th century BCE). Buddhism eventually spread throughout Asia and has since played a formative role in the political, cultural and social aspects of many Asian countries. As Buddhism spread, it developed into various separate traditions. The transmission of the religion north was particularly far-reaching. This saw the tradition known as ‘Mahāyāna’ (‘Great Vehicle’) spread from the South Asian subcontinent to Asia, introducing Buddhism to Central Asia, Tibet, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. Because of this, Mahāyāna Buddhism is also sometimes referred to as ‘Northern Buddhism’.

Mahāyāna Buddhism is not necessarily a sect of Buddhism. Rather, it is a major movement in the history of Buddhism that was embraced by different and diverse schools. The movement provided a reinterpretation of fundamental ideas, beliefs and values, as well as adopted local influences (such as Dàoism in China and Shintō in Japan). Today, most Mahāyāna schools share common characteristics such as a grand cosmology, emphasis on the bodhisattva ideal, and a universal ethic primarily based on cultivating compassion and wisdom.