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Mahayana Buddhism
By peace | May 4, 2008
A famous Bodhisattva is Guan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion
Mahayana is the form of Buddhism found in Tibet, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. It recognizes the Theravadin scriptures and adds many more, some composed after Buddha’s lifetime. Some were based on remembered teaching, some are mythological, others are said to have been recorded and hidden until the time came to reveal them.
In Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha is not limited to the historical Gautama. Other Buddhas are recognized who are not historical figures, but who represent different aspects of his enlightenment. Two of the principal ones are Amitabha(the Buddha of Infinite Light) and Bhaisajya(The Medicine Buddha), but there are many more. Their lives and teachings were revealed by Shakyamuni Buddha, and are recorded in the Mahayana scriptures to help disciples understand various practices.
There are also bodhisattvas such as the Chinese Guan Yin or the Tibetan Tara, who represent the personification of active compassion, and Manjusri, the manifestation of wisdom. Bodhisattvas are often spiritualized beings who were disciples of the historical Buddha, but who delayed their own enlightenment, choosing to remain on earth until all beings are freed from suffering. Their power can help practitioners who know the correct way of invoking it.
Mahayana practices include all the forms of meditation, as well as the practice of morality. However, it also includes a number of other practices not found in the Theravada. One of these is the Bodhisattva Vow, through which practitioners dedicate their practice to the release of all beings from suffering, and vow to master all the teachings and practices of the Buddha Way. Further, they vow not to attain their own enlightenment until all beings are freed from suffering. For Mahayana practitioners, it is the removal of suffering from the world that is more important than personal release. In general Mahayana Buddhism is more ritualistic, although the ritual is seen as being a form of conscious yoga in which there is visualization of spiritual beings and an acceptance of the power of their help.
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