The three yanas, or vehicles, are a way of categorizing Buddhist teachings.

Mahayana, as a distinct form of Buddhism, is predominantly practiced in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and, along with Vajrayana, in Tibet. It is said to have been taught by the Buddha to select disciplines during his lifetime. The first historical records come from ancient India (circa 1st century BCE).

The textual basis for Mahayana encompasses a wide range of literature. It emphasizes the path of the bodhisattva, where practitioners seek enlightenment—liberation from the cycle of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth—not solely for themselves, but primarily for the benefit of others, and would even vow to delay their own awakening in order to support others to do so before them.

Mahayana practices include various forms of meditation, chanting, and rituals, and place a significant emphasis on cultivating both compassion and wisdom. Their philosophy includes the fundamental teachings of the Shravakayana, and builds upon them with a variety of philosophical schools and practices, particularly emphasizing teachings on emptiness (shunyata) and buddhanature.

Pure Land and Zen Buddhism are both categorized as Mahayana. Zen originated in China during the Tang dynasty with the importation of Indian Mahayana Buddhist texts, practices, and ideas, and adapted through the lens of the culture and wisdom traditions already present there. It later spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

In the Mahayana, the main emphasis is on the mind, on developing loving kindness, compassion, and bodhicitta, the mind of awakening that desires to free all beings from suffering.

Mahayana Buddhism includes Zen and Pure Land Buddhism and is focused on cultivating compassion, bodhicitta, and the wisdom of emptiness. The goal is to attain realization for the benefit of others.

Practice a brief loving-kindness meditation by extending wishes for happiness and freedom from suffering to yourself, loved ones, neutral people, difficult people, and all beings everywhere. Notice how this progressive expansion reflects the bodhisattva’s expansive commitment to universal liberation, then reflect on what motivates someone to dedicate their spiritual practice to benefiting others rather than seeking only personal awakening.

• What are some of the qualities you notice in Mahayana practitioners, and how do they present their view?
• What cultural, political, or belief systems look very different but maintain the same essential beliefs?
• How are the yanas similar?
• How are they different?

Articulate the distinctive characteristics of Mahayana Buddhism, including the bodhisattva ideal and emphasis on universal liberation; analyze how Mahayana approaches to practice (emptiness philosophy, Pure Land practice, Zen meditation) address different paths to awakening; and evaluate the relationship between Mahayana adaptability and preservation of core Buddhist principles.