Mahayana Buddhism is the world's largest Buddhist sect, and its teachings and practices are what most non-adherents recognise as "Buddhism" today. It arose as a school of philosophy sometime after 383 BCE, possibly from the earlier Mahasanghika school. The fundamental scriptures and teachings of early Buddhism are accepted by Mahayana. This article will explain to you the Mahayana which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil Services exam.

Spread of Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana

• Around 500 BC, Mahayana Buddhism flourished.
• Three Buddhist Councils were organized, according to history, to settle doctrinal conflicts among Buddhist leaders.
• Only the fourth, which was held in Kashmir, has historical evidence. Since then, Buddhism has been divided into two schools: Mahayana and Hinayana.
• A Mahayana Buddhist's objective may be to become a Bodhisattva, which is accomplished through the Six Perfections.
• Avalokiteshvara (bodhisattva of mercy and compassion), Maitreya (the future Buddha), and Manjushri (bodhisattva of wisdom) are among the most common bodhisattvas shown in sculpture and painting.
• These new elements seek a fresh perspective in Buddhism.
• As a result, the notion arose that a new Great Vehicle (Mahayana) had been discovered that would transport many people to salvation.
• Mahayana quickly gained popularity in many parts of India because it better suited the mood of the times and the requirements of many ordinary people than the lower Vehicle (Hinayana).
• The lesser Vehicle remained intact in Ceyton, and it quickly became the national religion in Thailand and other regions of South-East Asia.
• On the other hand, Mahayana (soon divided by multiple schisms) was taken to China and later to Japan by a series of Indian monks.
• Nalanda was a Mahayana Buddhist centre.
• Kanishka was a devotee of the Mahayana faith.
• Vajrayana is one of Mahayana's sub-sects.

Mahayana - Beliefs

• The claim that Mahayana evolved from Mahasanghika is backed not only by the names' resemblance, but also by what is known about Mahasanghika doctrines that were later embraced by Mahayana.
• The Sthaviravada position that the primary purpose of Buddha's message was individual spiritual perfection was rejected by Mahasanghika, who claimed an arhat was just as fallible as any other human being and possessed no supernatural powers or insights.
• The only thing that exists at all times is the present; the past and future are illusions that confuse and bother the mind.
• Because there is no time - no past or future – only an eternal present, enlightened beings, spirits, and deities exist in all directions and at all times.
• Enlightenment bestows supramundane abilities, such as the ability to converse without speaking.
• The fundamental distinction between Mahayana and other schools was their emphasis on the bodhisattva.
• One's path to enlightenment was not for oneself alone, but for the benefit of the entire world.
• Mahayana Buddhism recognises a Buddha's three bodies. These are
  • Nirmanakaya
  • Sambhogakaya
  • Dharmakaya
• Mahayana believed in the Buddha's divinity. The sect promoted Buddhist idol worship and Bodhisattvas who embodied Buddha Nature.
• Mahayana elevates the law of karuna / compassion above the rule of karma.
• The values of Bodhisattva / the savior – who is concerned with the salvation of others – are upheld by Mahayana.
• Mahayana Buddhism is practised in India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia, among other places.
• The Mahayana ten-far-reaching attitude is as follows:
  • Generosity
  • Self-Discipline
  • Patience
  • Perseverance
  • Mental Stability
  • Wisdom
  • Skills in Means
  • Aspirational Prayers
  • Strengthening
  • Deep Awareness

Mahayana Scriptures

• The Mahayana scriptures are written in Sanskrit as sutras.
• Aside from the Dhammapada, a collection of 423 lines credited to Sakyamuni Buddha, the Prajnaparamita, composed by numerous Buddhist sages largely between c. 50 BCE and c. 600 CE, is the founding scripture of Mahayana Buddhism.
• It's a how-to guide for becoming a bodhisattva with a complete comprehension of Buddhist Dharma ("cosmic law"), unhindered by the ego's deliberate ignorance and pride.
• The verses in this work are intended to confuse rational cognition and linear reasoning in order to allow the mind to perceive the world from a different, higher perspective.
• Sutras, Sastras, and Tantras comprise the majority of the Mahayana canon. Sutras are the most authoritative and universally acknowledged religious texts.
• Sustras are significantly less widely acknowledged and are usually associated with a specific school of thought.
• They are frequently commentary attributed by name to a specific school of thought.
• Tantras are secret scriptures associated with esoteric Tantric sects that are only accessible to those who have been properly initiated.

Fourth Buddhist Council

• It was held in 72 AD in Kundalvana, Kashmir.
• Vasumitra presided over it, with Asvaghosa serving as his deputy, under the auspices of King Kanishka of the Kushan Empire.
• Buddhism was divided into two sects: Mahayan and Hinayan.

Vajrayana Buddhism

• Vajrayana, commonly known as tantric Buddhism, means "The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt."
• This Buddhist school emerged in India about the year 900 CE.
• In comparison to the other Buddhist schools, it is based on esoteric components and an extremely complicated system of rites.
• The Vajrayana style of Buddhism, like Mahayana Buddhism, focuses on becoming a Bodhisattva who will eventually guide others.

Conclusion

The Mahayana Buddhist sect is the world's largest Buddhist sect, and its doctrines and practices are what most non-adherents today recognise as "Buddhism." Mahayana Buddhism flourished around 500 BC. The goal of a Mahayana Buddhist may be to become a Bodhisattva, which is reached through the Six Perfections. Nalanda was a Mahayana Buddhist pilgrimage site. Kanishka followed the Mahayana religion.

FAQs

Question. What is Mahayana Buddhism?

Question. What are the key differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism?

Question. What are the main schools of Mahayana Buddhism?

Question. What is the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism?

Question. How did Mahayana Buddhism spread across Asia?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a core teaching of Mahayana Buddhism?

A) The path of the Arhat is the ultimate goal.

B) Enlightenment is only attainable by monks and nuns.

C) The Bodhisattva path emphasizes the liberation of all beings.

D) Emphasis on rituals and ceremonies for personal gain.

2. Who is the founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism?

A) Vasubandhu

B) Asanga

C) Nagarjuna

D) Buddha himself

3. Which Mahayana school emphasizes the nature of consciousness and perception in shaping reality?

A) Pure Land Buddhism

B) Yogacara

C) Madhyamaka

D) Tathagatagarbha

4. What is the concept of "emptiness" (Shunyata) associated with in Mahayana Buddhism?

A) The absence of physical matter

B) The ultimate nature of all phenomena

C) The emptiness of the universe

D) The lack of divine intervention

5. What is the main focus of Pure Land Buddhism within the Mahayana tradition?

A) Meditation and mindfulness

B) Rebirth in the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha

C) Study of the Buddhist scriptures

D) Emphasis on ascetic practices

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the main differences between Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism.

Answer: Mahayana and Theravada are the two major branches of Buddhism, differing primarily in their approach to the path of enlightenment. Theravada Buddhism focuses on the personal attainment of enlightenment through the path of the Arhat, where individuals strive to become enlightened by following the teachings and precepts laid down by the historical Buddha. The emphasis is on monastic life and meditation practices that lead to individual liberation from suffering. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva path, where practitioners aspire not only for their own enlightenment but also for the enlightenment of all sentient beings. The ideal of the Bodhisattva, who postpones entering Nirvana to help others achieve it, is central to Mahayana practice. Mahayana Buddhists believe in the possibility of attaining Buddhahood and emphasize the practice of compassion, wisdom, and skillful means to guide others. Furthermore, Mahayana includes a broader set of scriptures, such as the Mahayana sutras, and incorporates various schools such as Madhyamaka and Yogacara, which offer distinct philosophical perspectives. While both branches share the core teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, Mahayana presents a more universalistic view of salvation and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings.

Q2: Discuss the significance of the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism.

Answer: The Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana Buddhism and represents the path of compassion, selflessness, and the aspiration to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. Unlike in Theravada Buddhism, where the goal is personal enlightenment (Nirvana), Mahayana Buddhism teaches that one should strive for Buddhahood to alleviate the suffering of others. The Bodhisattva is seen as an enlightened being who, motivated by compassion, postpones entering Nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment. The Bodhisattva ideal emphasizes the importance of wisdom (Prajna) and compassion (Karuna) as the two essential qualities that drive the Bodhisattva on their journey. Bodhisattvas are also believed to possess skillful means (Upaya), which refers to their ability to teach and guide beings in a way that is suitable for their level of understanding. This concept encourages practitioners to engage in activities that benefit others, such as teaching, helping the poor, and spreading the Dharma, which contributes to the well-being of all sentient beings. The Bodhisattva path not only provides a model for individuals to follow but also offers a broader vision of universal salvation.

Q3: Analyze the influence of Mahayana Buddhism on the cultural and religious landscape of East Asia.

Answer: Mahayana Buddhism has had a profound influence on the cultural and religious landscapes of East Asia, particularly in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It reached China by the first century CE and was later spread to Korea and Japan. In China, Mahayana Buddhism integrated with indigenous Daoist and Confucian traditions, leading to the development of Chinese Buddhist schools such as Chan (Zen in Japan) and Pure Land Buddhism. In Japan, Mahayana Buddhism played a pivotal role in shaping Japanese religious practices and philosophy. Schools like Zen, which emphasizes meditation, and Pure Land Buddhism, which focuses on devotion to Amitabha Buddha, became widely practiced. The introduction of Mahayana texts and practices in East Asia also led to the development of unique forms of Buddhist art, architecture, and rituals that continue to be practiced in the region today. Mahayana Buddhism's emphasis on compassion, wisdom, and the Bodhisattva ideal resonated with the cultural and social values of East Asian societies. It provided a framework for ethical behavior and encouraged the cultivation of virtues such as kindness, generosity, and self-discipline. Through its influence, Mahayana Buddhism shaped the spiritual and intellectual development of East Asia, contributing to the region’s religious diversity and its cultural heritage.

Previous Year Questions on Mahayana Buddhism

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "What is the key philosophical difference between Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism?"

Answer: The key difference lies in their approach to enlightenment: Theravada Buddhism emphasizes the individual attainment of Nirvana, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, seeking the enlightenment of all beings.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "Discuss the impact of Mahayana Buddhism on the cultural practices of East Asia."

Answer: Mahayana Buddhism had a significant impact on the cultural and religious practices of East Asia, influencing art, architecture, religious rituals, and the development of Buddhist schools such as Zen and Pure Land in China and Japan.