Mahayana Buddhism builds on the teachings of the Buddha by adding some important ideas that make the original teachings even richer. Here are a few key points:
Bodhisattva Ideal: Unlike Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on personal enlightenment, Mahayana Buddhism highlights the Bodhisattva. A Bodhisattva is someone who has reached enlightenment but chooses to wait before entering Nirvana. Instead, they help others find their own path to awakening. This means that helping others is just as important as personal freedom.
Emptiness (Śūnyatā): Mahayana introduces the idea of emptiness. This means that everything is connected and doesn’t exist on its own. For example, when we look at a tree, it’s not just a tree; it's part of a larger web of life. This idea helps us reconsider what we’re attached to in our lives.
Expanded Scriptures: Mahayana also includes more texts known as the Mahayana Sutras. One famous text is the Lotus Sutra. These writings teach that everyone has the potential to become a Buddha and encourage us to act morally and ethically for the benefit of all people.
By including these ideas, Mahayana Buddhism keeps the core of the Buddha's teachings while also creating new ways to practice spirituality and engage with the community.
Mahayana Buddhism builds on the teachings of the Buddha by adding some important ideas that make the original teachings even richer. Here are a few key points:
Bodhisattva Ideal: Unlike Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on personal enlightenment, Mahayana Buddhism highlights the Bodhisattva. A Bodhisattva is someone who has reached enlightenment but chooses to wait before entering Nirvana. Instead, they help others find their own path to awakening. This means that helping others is just as important as personal freedom.
Emptiness (Śūnyatā): Mahayana introduces the idea of emptiness. This means that everything is connected and doesn’t exist on its own. For example, when we look at a tree, it’s not just a tree; it's part of a larger web of life. This idea helps us reconsider what we’re attached to in our lives.
Expanded Scriptures: Mahayana also includes more texts known as the Mahayana Sutras. One famous text is the Lotus Sutra. These writings teach that everyone has the potential to become a Buddha and encourage us to act morally and ethically for the benefit of all people.
By including these ideas, Mahayana Buddhism keeps the core of the Buddha's teachings while also creating new ways to practice spirituality and engage with the community.