Mahayana意思

"Mahayana" is a term used in Buddhism to describe one of the two major traditions of Buddhism, the other being Theravada. The word "Mahayana" is translated from Sanskrit and means "the great vehicle" or "the greater vehicle." This term is used to contrast with Hinayana, which means "the lesser vehicle," although the term Hinayana is not used by Mahayana practitioners to describe themselves; it is a term used by Mahayana followers to differentiate their own tradition from others.

Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the concept of bodhisattvas, beings who have dedicated themselves to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on the individual's path to enlightenment, Mahayana Buddhism places a strong emphasis on compassion and the desire to help others achieve liberation from suffering.

Mahayana Buddhism has a rich tradition of philosophical thought and has produced a number of key texts, including the Prajnaparamita Sutras (which include the Heart Sutra) and the Lotus Sutra. It also includes a number of different schools and sub-traditions, such as Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism.