Definition

Noun: - The religious doctrine of Mahayana Buddhism: Mahayanism refers to the system of beliefs, teachings, and practices associated with the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism. It emphasizes the ideal of the bodhisattva, universal compassion, and the potential for all beings to achieve Buddhahood.

Usage

• Mahayanism is studied as a major school of Buddhist thought.
• The core principles of Mahayanism include emptiness () and skillful means ().

Examples

• Scholars often compare the philosophies of Theravada Buddhism and Mahayanism.
• The spread of Mahayanism across Central and East Asia had a profound cultural impact.
• A key tenet of Mahayanism is that enlightenment is attainable for everyone.

Advanced Usage

• In theological discourse: The term is used to discuss doctrinal developments, such as the concept of the trikaya (the three bodies of the Buddha) within Mahayanism.
• In historical analysis: It refers to the movement as a historical phenomenon, e.g., "The rise of Mahayanism in the early centuries CE."

Variants and Related Words

• Mahayana (n): The broader tradition or vehicle itself; often used interchangeably with "Mahayanism," though "Mahayana" can refer to the path or community, while "Mahayanism" specifically denotes its doctrines.
  • Example: Mahayana Buddhism is prevalent in Tibet and Japan.
• Mahayanist (n): An adherent or scholar of Mahayanism.
  • Example: The Mahayanist monk gave a lecture on compassion.

Synonyms

• Mahayana Buddhism: The most direct synonym, referring to the same tradition.
• The Great Vehicle: A translation of "Mahayana," sometimes used poetically or descriptively.

Related Terms (Doctrinal Concepts)

• Bodhisattva Ideal: The central ethical ideal in Mahayanism, vowing to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
• Prajñāpāramitā: The "Perfection of Wisdom" literature, a cornerstone of Mahayanist philosophy.
• Upāya: "Skillful means," the adaptive teaching methods emphasized in Mahayanism.

Noun

1. the religious doctrine of Mahayana Buddhism