Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, the other being Theravada. It developed around the 1st century CE and has spread across Asia, particularly in East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Mahayana, which means “Great Vehicle,” offers a broad path for people to attain enlightenment. The worship practices in Mahayana Buddhism are diverse and can vary across regions, but they all emphasize compassion, wisdom, and the aspiration to help all beings achieve enlightenment.
In this article, we will explore who or what Mahayana Buddhists worship and the key figures in Mahayana Buddhism, their significance, and how these figures are venerated.
The Core of Mahayana Worship: The Buddha
Who is the Buddha?
The Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, is the central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. He was born in Nepal around 2,500 years ago. According to Buddhist teachings, Siddhartha was a prince who left his royal life to seek the truth about suffering and the nature of existence. After years of meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha, which means “the awakened one.”
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha is seen not just as a historical figure but as a symbol of the potential for enlightenment that exists in all beings. The Buddha’s teachings—known as the Dharma—are considered a guide to achieving liberation from suffering (nirvana).
The Role of the Buddha in Worship
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha is revered as a compassionate teacher and guide. He is often depicted in temples and statues, where followers pay respects and offer prayers. Worshiping the Buddha is a way for practitioners to honor his teachings and ask for his blessings in their spiritual journey.
Buddhists do not worship the Buddha as a god but as a teacher who has shown the way to enlightenment. The goal of Mahayana Buddhists is to follow his path and eventually attain Buddhahood themselves. Many Mahayana practitioners chant mantras and perform rituals to invoke the blessings of the Buddha and remind themselves of his teachings.
Bodhisattvas: Compassionate Beings
Who Are Bodhisattvas?
Bodhisattvas are one of the most distinctive features of Mahayana Buddhism. They are beings who have attained a high level of spiritual realization, often comparable to that of a Buddha, but choose to remain in the world to help others achieve enlightenment. The term “Bodhisattva” means “awakening being” or “enlightenment being.”
While a Buddha has reached full enlightenment and no longer needs to be reborn, a Bodhisattva delays their own final enlightenment to assist all sentient beings in reaching nirvana. The path of the Bodhisattva is characterized by compassion, selflessness, and a deep commitment to alleviating the suffering of others.
Popular Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism
Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)
Avalokiteshvara is one of the most widely revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara is believed to hear the cries of suffering beings and respond with compassion. In Chinese Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is often depicted as Guanyin (or Kuan Yin), a female figure known for her compassion and mercy.
Guanyin is one of the most venerated figures in Mahayana Buddhism, especially in East Asia. She is seen as a protector and savior, offering comfort and protection to those who call upon her.
Manjushri
Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. He is often depicted holding a sword in one hand, symbolizing the cutting through of ignorance, and a sutra in the other, representing wisdom. Manjushri is a symbol of the wisdom needed to understand the true nature of reality and to overcome delusions.
Followers of Mahayana Buddhism often call upon Manjushri for wisdom, insight, and guidance in making enlightened decisions.
Metteya (Maitreya)
Metteya, also known as Maitreya, is the Bodhisattva of the future. According to Mahayana teachings, Metteya is a compassionate being who will appear on Earth in the future to teach the Dharma and help beings attain enlightenment. While Metteya has not yet arrived, many Mahayana Buddhists look forward to his future appearance with hope and faith.
In Buddhist iconography, Metteya is often depicted as a joyful, smiling figure, reflecting his optimistic and loving nature.
The Role of Bodhisattvas in Worship
Bodhisattvas play an important role in Mahayana worship. Devotees may pray to Bodhisattvas, offer incense, or perform rituals in their honor. Worshiping Bodhisattvas is a way for practitioners to connect with the compassion and wisdom that these beings embody. By focusing on the Bodhisattvas, practitioners hope to cultivate the qualities of compassion and wisdom in themselves, ultimately leading to their own enlightenment and the enlightenment of others.
The Pure Land: Worship of Amitabha Buddha
Who is Amitabha Buddha?
Amitabha Buddha, known as the Buddha of Infinite Light, is one of the most important figures in the Pure Land school of Mahayana Buddhism. The Pure Land tradition emphasizes devotion to Amitabha Buddha as the key to achieving rebirth in his Pure Land, a realm where it is easier to attain enlightenment.
Amitabha is known for his boundless compassion and vows to help all sentient beings. According to Mahayana teachings, anyone who sincerely recites Amitabha’s name with faith can be reborn in his Pure Land, where they will have the opportunity to practice the Dharma and eventually achieve Buddhahood.
The Role of Amitabha Buddha in Worship
In the Pure Land tradition, worship of Amitabha Buddha is centered around reciting his name, often as part of a practice called “Nianfo” in Chinese or “Nembutsu” in Japanese. This practice is believed to lead to rebirth in the Pure Land, where one can more easily attain enlightenment.
The worship of Amitabha Buddha focuses on faith and devotion. Practitioners believe that by invoking Amitabha’s name, they are expressing their trust in his compassion and making themselves worthy of rebirth in his Pure Land.
The Role of Deities and Protectors in Mahayana Buddhism
Other Deities in Mahayana Worship
In addition to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Mahayana Buddhists also venerate various deities and spiritual protectors. These figures are often believed to protect practitioners from harm and help them on their spiritual path.
For example, Tara, a female Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism, is a protector deity. Tara is known for her swift action and is often invoked for protection in difficult situations. There are many other deities, such as the Four Heavenly Kings, who protect the Buddhist teachings and practitioners.
The Importance of Rituals and Offerings
Mahayana worship often involves rituals and offerings to these deities. These can include incense offerings, prayers, chanting, and the presentation of food or flowers in temples. The purpose of these rituals is to cultivate good karma, show gratitude to the divine beings, and create a harmonious environment for practice.
In some traditions, there are specific deities or protectors associated with certain geographical regions or schools of Buddhism. These deities play an important role in the local spiritual life of Mahayana practitioners.
Conclusion
Mahayana Buddhism worships a variety of figures, including the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and other deities. The worship in Mahayana Buddhism is not about worshiping gods in the way other religions might, but it is about venerating enlightened beings who embody wisdom, compassion, and the path to liberation.
The Buddha, as the ultimate teacher, provides the Dharma, while Bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Metteya represent the ideal qualities that practitioners aspire to cultivate. Amitabha Buddha, through the Pure Land tradition, offers hope for future rebirth and enlightenment. Additionally, various spiritual protectors and deities are revered to help guide and protect practitioners on their spiritual journeys.
Mahayana Buddhism is a path of compassion and wisdom, and its worship practices reflect the deep commitment to helping all beings achieve enlightenment, just as the Bodhisattvas have done.
By understanding who Mahayana Buddhists worship and why, we gain insight into the heart of Mahayana practice—a path that emphasizes not only personal liberation but the liberation of all beings.
