More liberal form

of Buddhism
Mahayana means
Great Vehicle
Carrying any person

to enlightenment

Primarily
concentrated in
China, Japan,
Korea, and
Vietnam

By the 1st century, Mahayana

became its own Buddhist party
separate from Theravada.

Accepted new sutras written in

Sanskrit credited to the Buddha.

Believed that one could attain

enlightenment without being a
monk.

Greatest Mahayana philosopherNagarjuna (2 main principles):

Samsara and nirvana are really
one and the same (emptiness)
The world is fluid, constantly
changing

Believe that people can

achieve enlightenment
through the works of
others
Hope to become
bodhisattvas, or those
who postpone entering
nirvana in order to help
others attain
enlightenment
Because of this, some
Mahayna sects have
deities of sorts,

Follow Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path,

Middle Way.
The ideal path for followers is to strive
to become bodhisattvas.
Believe selfless action is more
commendable than reaching
enlightenment.
Their goal follow the way of Buddha and
reach nirvana, but then share it with
others, in other words, become a
bodhisattva.

Bodhisattvas help others to

achieve nirvana and then they
will be the last to enter
enlightenment.

Compassion and wisdom are

the highest virtues.

Emphasizes intuition and

encourages practice out in the
world.

Believe that the Buddha is the

one sign of a power that is
greater than common human
knowledge

One should strive to

achieve eternal
wisdom.
But also realize
eternal wisdom
does not exist.
Disconnect from all
worldly thoughts,
and desires.

Diets
Diets of Mahayana Buddhists vary depending on
location.
There are only dietary restrictions and no clear
distinction between what is permitted and forbidden.
Some foods that are avoided by the majority of
Buddhists, but not prohibited are: beef, pork, all meat,
fish, and shellfish.
Foods such as eggs and dairy are permitted, but not
highly encouraged.
Some only feel it is necessary to refrain from beef and
feel that it is okay to eat fish.
Some also believe that it is acceptable to eat meat
unless they slaughter the animals themselves.

Worship
Mahayana daily worship usually
takes place in ones home at a
shrine. An image of the Buddha and
a flower vase are usually present in
the shrine.
Annual worship is celebrated
through festivals that celebrate the
Buddhas life. On the day of Buddha,
his images are washed. Celebrated
in Japan, China, and Korea on the 8th
day of the fourth lunar month.
Mahayanas also celebrate the life of
bodhisattva Kuan Yin. Her birthday is
celebrated on the 19th day of the
second lunar month, her
enlightenment on the 19th day of the
sixth month, and on the 19th day of
the ninth month her entry into
nirvana is celebrated.

Prayer
Mahayanas use prayer wheels while praying. These prayer
wheels have been made for many centuries and are of many
different styles and sizes.
Some are simply hand-held or table-top wheels, while others
are huge and up to twelve feet and six feet in diameters.
Buddhist teachers and the ancient texts expound the profound
benefits of the Prayer Wheel for its ability to quickly harmonize
the environment, increase compassion, encourage a peaceful
state of mind, and assist practitioners on their journeys to
enlightenment. (tibetanprayerwheeels.com)

Platform Sutra
Composed in China
Centered around
sermons given at Shao
Zhou temple
Discuss true Nature
and Sudden
Enlightenment
Linji Lu
A Chinese Buddhist
Scripture

The Appearance Body is the body

that is visible to the world,
manifesting itself for the benefit of all
beings.

The Dharma Body was the Buddha as

the embodiment of truth.

The Enjoyment Body was the Buddha

as he appears in the celestial realms

the
the
the
the
the
the

perfection
perfection
perfection
perfection
perfection
perfection

of
of
of
of
of
of

giving
ethics
patience
joyous effort
concentration
wisdom

Video: http://www.britannica.com/EBc
hecked/topic/358037/Mahayana

A Life of Selflessness
One must be utterly
selfless to escape
suffering
This includes helping
others to achieve a
life of selflessness
Selflessness should
not be boasted or
bragged about, or the
purpose is solely
defeated