Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two major branches of Buddhism, the other being Theravada. Mahayana, which means “Great Vehicle,” offers a broad and inclusive approach to spiritual practice. It emphasizes compassion, wisdom, and the potential for all beings to achieve Buddhahood. Understanding its three core beliefs is crucial for anyone interested in Mahayana Buddhism. These beliefs are: the concept of the Bodhisattva, the belief in Buddha-nature, and the path of wisdom and compassion.
1. The Bodhisattva Ideal
The Bodhisattva is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has vowed to remain in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) in order to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. This belief sets Mahayana apart from Theravada Buddhism, where the focus is more on individual liberation.
The Vow of the Bodhisattva
A Bodhisattva takes a vow to become a fully enlightened Buddha but delays their own Buddhahood to help others attain the same. This vow is taken out of deep compassion. A Bodhisattva works tirelessly for the welfare of all beings, without the selfish desire for personal enlightenment. They understand that all beings are interconnected, and their suffering is shared.
The Six Perfections
To develop into a Bodhisattva, one must practice the six perfections (paramitas). These are:
Generosity (Dana) – Giving without attachment to help others.
Ethical Discipline (Sila) – Living in a moral and ethical way.
Patience (Kshanti) – Developing tolerance and forbearance, especially in the face of adversity.
Effort (Virya) – Being diligent and striving for progress on the spiritual path.
Meditative Concentration (Dhyana) – Developing the ability to focus and meditate deeply.
Wisdom (Prajna) – Gaining insight into the nature of reality and understanding the Four Noble Truths.
These perfections guide a Bodhisattva in their journey to enlightenment while helping others.
Compassionate Activity
The primary motivation for a Bodhisattva is compassion. In Mahayana Buddhism, compassion is not just an emotion but an active effort to relieve the suffering of others. Bodhisattvas practice “skillful means” (upaya), which means using different methods to teach, guide, and help others in ways that are appropriate to their particular needs and understanding.
2. Buddha-Nature
Another important belief in Mahayana Buddhism is the concept of Buddha-nature. This refers to the inherent potential within all beings to attain Buddhahood. According to this belief, every sentient being has the seed of enlightenment within them, just as a lotus flower has the potential to bloom, even though it may appear closed at first.
The Universality of Buddha-Nature
Unlike other Buddhist traditions that might view enlightenment as something attainable only by certain individuals, Mahayana Buddhism teaches that all beings, regardless of their past actions or current state, have the capacity to become Buddhas. Buddha-nature is universal and exists in all living beings. It is not something external to us but rather a fundamental aspect of our true nature.
The Illusion of Self
Mahayana teachings emphasize the emptiness (shunyata) of all things, including the self. The belief in Buddha-nature suggests that the self is an illusion created by our attachments and desires. In reality, the self is interconnected with all other beings. By recognizing the emptiness of self, one can tap into their Buddha-nature and begin to develop the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and moral conduct.
Realizing Buddha-Nature
Realizing one’s Buddha-nature involves practices such as meditation, studying the teachings of the Buddha, and following the guidance of a teacher. As practitioners develop their wisdom and compassion, they come to understand their true nature, which is not separate from the Buddha. In this sense, every being has the potential to manifest the qualities of a Buddha.
3. The Path of Wisdom and Compassion
Mahayana Buddhism stresses the inseparable nature of wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna). Both are seen as essential for the attainment of Buddhahood. Wisdom is the understanding of reality as it truly is, while compassion is the deep empathy and active desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
Wisdom (Prajna)
Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism is not just intellectual knowledge but an experiential understanding of the nature of reality. This includes the realization of the Three Marks of Existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta). Understanding these truths helps to break the attachment to the illusion of a permanent, independent self. This wisdom leads to the realization of emptiness (shunyata), the insight that all phenomena are interdependent and lack inherent existence.
Compassion (Karuna)
Compassion is the driving force behind all actions in Mahayana Buddhism. It is not just a passive feeling but an active force that seeks to relieve suffering. Compassionate action is guided by wisdom, meaning that one acts in ways that truly benefit others, rather than out of ignorance or attachment. A compassionate person does not just wish for others to be free from suffering but actively works to create the conditions for their liberation.
The Bodhisattva’s Path of Wisdom and Compassion
The Bodhisattva, as the embodiment of these two qualities, walks the path of wisdom and compassion to help others reach enlightenment. This path is often described as a middle way between extreme views and behaviors, which is central to the Buddha’s teachings. By developing both wisdom and compassion, a Bodhisattva can help guide others to freedom from suffering.
Conclusion
Mahayana Buddhism is a vast and inclusive tradition with a deep belief in the potential for all beings to reach Buddhahood. The three core beliefs— the Bodhisattva ideal, the concept of Buddha-nature, and the inseparable path of wisdom and compassion— offer a roadmap for spiritual practitioners.
The Bodhisattva ideal emphasizes the importance of selfless service to others, the Buddha-nature belief affirms that enlightenment is possible for all beings, and the path of wisdom and compassion guides practitioners toward a balanced, enlightened life. Through these beliefs, Mahayana Buddhism offers a hopeful vision that no one is beyond salvation and that enlightenment is not just for oneself but for all beings.
By following these core beliefs, one can transform their life and work towards the ultimate goal of liberation— both for themselves and for others. In doing so, practitioners embody the compassion and wisdom that are central to Mahayana Buddhism, bringing them closer to the realization of their own Buddha-nature and their ultimate enlightenment.
