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Glite Dictionary
Mahayanism

Mahayanism

9.9
A form of Buddhism that teaches staying in life to help others become enlightened
  • noun
  • /ˌmɑːhəˈjɑːnɪzəm/
translation icon : mahayanismo
  • Mahayanism places strong emphasis on the bodhisattva path and compassion for all beings.

Examples

  • Many scholars study Mahayanism to understand the development of East Asian Buddhism.

  • The influence of Mahayanism can be seen in the art and literature of several Asian countries.

  • Many scholars study Mahayanism to understand its principles.

  • Is Mahayanism the most practiced form of Buddhism?

  • Mahayanism emphasizes the path of the bodhisattva, striving for the enlightenment of all beings.

  • Many Buddhist texts explore Mahayanism as a philosophy that promotes compassion and universal salvation.

  • Mahayanism is a major branch of Buddhism that advocates for achieving enlightenment not just for oneself but for all sentient beings.

Synonyms

Mahayana Buddhism
vsMahayanism
4.9

A branch of Buddhism that teaches everyone can become enlightened by compassion and helping others

emphasizes the formal doctrine and the bodhisattva ideal
Mahayana
vsMahayanism
7.6

A major school of Buddhism that teaches kindness and help for all people, widely followed in East Asia

refers to those teachings as a formal doctrinal system rather than a regional school

Surface Forms

Mahayanism singular

Morphology

Mahayanism = Mahayana (transparent) = Mahayana + ism

Formed by the proper noun 'Mahayana' + the productive suffix '-ism' indicating a doctrine or system; meaning is directly the doctrine of Mahayana.

Etymology

Mahayanism comes from Mahayana, a Sanskrit word made of maha- 'great' and yana 'vehicle'. Think of it as a 'great vehicle' that aims to carry many people to become buddhas, which is why Mahayanism emphasizes the bodhisattva path and helping all beings.