Religious studiesLesson 3 of 3 in the course Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism: Origins, Teachings, Paths, and Traditions

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Mahayana is a broad family of Buddhist traditions united especially by the bodhisattva ideal. This lesson introduces the meaning of its name, its relationship to earlier Buddhist teachings, and why its beginnings are understood as a complex historical process.

Mahayana is a Sanskrit term meaning “Great Vehicle.” The term is closely associated with Bodhisattvayana, or “Bodhisattva Vehicle,” the path of one who seeks full awakening in order to benefit all sentient beings. The two terms were often used as synonyms in early Mahayana sources.

All flashcards

What does Mahayana mean?
“Great Vehicle,” a Sanskrit term associated with a broad family of Buddhist traditions.
What is bodhicitta?
The intention to attain buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
What does śūnyatā mean in Madhyamaka?
Phenomena lack independent, permanent essence and arise dependently.
What are the six perfections?
Giving, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.
What is the Trikaya?
A doctrine describing the manifestation, enjoyment, and ultimate dimensions of buddhahood.

Quiz questions

  1. Which early Mahayana evidence is associated with the Central Asian monk Lokaksema?Answer: Chinese translations of Mahayana texts in the second century CE
  2. Which two Indian institutions became influential centers of Buddhist learning?Answer: Nalanda and Vikramashila
  3. In Mahayana thought, what does upāya, or skillful means, describe?Answer: Adapting teachings to listeners’ needs and capacities
  4. What is a pure land in many Mahayana traditions?Answer: A buddha-field where rebirth offers favorable conditions for awakening
  5. Which practices are distinctive features of many Vajrayana traditions?Answer: Mantras, mandalas, visualization, and initiation by a teacher

Based on the Wikipedia article Mahayana, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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