Mahayana Branch of Buddhism - 1114 Words

One branch of Buddhism is Mahayana, which literally means the Great Vehicle. Mahayana can more easily be defined as a loose collection of teachings with large and extensive principles that coexist all together. Mahayana defines itself as penetrating further and more deeply into the Buddhas Dharma, or the way of the Buddha. This practice originates in India, and slowly spread across Asia to countries as China, Japan, Korea through the missionary activities of monks and the support of kings. However, the roots of this religion are still not completely known. In the early views, it was presumed that it was as a separate school. Due to the veneration of Buddha’s , Mahayana was often understood as a more religious, traditional practice of†¦show more content†¦One who engages in this path is called a bodhisattva. Six perfections are traditionally required for bodhisattvas: dÄ na-pÄ ramitÄ  or the perfection of giving Å›Ä «la-pÄ ramitÄ : the perfection on be havior and discipline ká ¹ £Ã„ nti-pÄ ramitÄ : the perfection of forbearance vÄ «rya-pÄ ramitÄ : the perfection of vigor and diligence dhyÄ na-pÄ ramitÄ : the perfection of meditation prajà ±Ã„ -pÄ ramitÄ : the perfection of transcendent wisdom Mahayana teaches that the practitioner will finally realize the attainment of Buddhahood. Images of spiritually powerful and advanced female figures are common in the Mahayana -- Tara, who guides and protects her devotees; Prajnaparamita, who embodies wisdom. Some Mahayana schools employ sexual imagery to symbolize the union of wisdom and skillful means, and the overcoming of oppositions. There is no known founder of Mahayana, although some figures such as a philosopher and monk named Nagarjuna is sometimes accredited as such. However, they actually only founded sub-schools inside the early Mahayana. The central philosophies of Mahayana doctrine are founded on the possibility of universal freedom from suffering for all beings and the existence of Buddha’s and bodhisattvas. Some Mahayana schools simplify the expression of faith by allowing salvation to be alternatively obtained through the grace of Buddha by having faith and devoting oneself to mindfulness of the Buddha. Most Mahayana schools believe in supernaturalShow MoreRelatedBuddhism Breaks Apart Essay example1402 Words   |  6 PagesBuddhism Breaks Apart Buddhism is the religion of spiritual enlightenment through the suppressing of one’s worldly desires. Buddhism takes one on the path of a spiritual journey, to become one with their soul. It teaches one how to comprehend life’s mysteries, and to cope with them. 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