MAHAYANIST Meaning and
Definition
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Mahayanist refers to an adherent or follower of Mahayana Buddhism, one of the major branches of Buddhism. Mahayana, meaning "Great Vehicle" in Sanskrit, is characterized by an inclusive and expansive approach to spiritual liberation and enlightenment.
A Mahayanist recognizes that all beings possess the potential to attain Buddhahood, the ultimate goal in Buddhism. They strive to cultivate qualities like compassion, wisdom, and empathy to benefit all sentient beings. This branch places great emphasis on the bodhisattva ideal, where a practitioner dedicates their efforts to achieving enlightenment not solely for their own salvation but also to alleviate suffering and help others on their journey towards liberation.
Mahayanists believe in the presence of divine beings, known as buddhas or bodhisattvas, who have attained enlightenment but chose to remain in the cycle of existence to guide and support others. They also consider sacred texts beyond the original Pali Canon, including the Lotus Sutra, the Prajnaparamita Sutras, and the Avatamsaka Sutra. The Mahayana tradition is practiced in various countries across East Asia, such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Overall, a Mahayanist seeks to walk the path of Buddhism by embracing the ideals of compassion, altruism, and enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Common Misspellings for MAHAYANIST
Etymology of MAHAYANIST
The term "Mahayanist" has its roots in Buddhism and specifically refers to a follower or practitioner of Mahayana Buddhism. The word originates from the combination of two Sanskrit words: "maha" meaning "great" or "large", and "yana" meaning "vehicle" or "path". In Buddhism, Mahayana is known as one of the major branches, emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and the ideal of attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. So, a Mahayanist is someone who follows this particular path in Buddhism.
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