Mahāyāna Buddhism

Great Vehicle Buddhism emphasizing compassionate bodhisattva ideal of achieving enlightenment for all beings' benefit rather than personal liberation alone. Mahayana expanded Buddhist philosophy through concepts of emptiness (śūnyatā), skillful means, and Buddha-nature inherent in all consciousness. This tradition includes diverse schools from Pure Land devotion to Zen meditation to Tibetan tantric practices, united by commitment to universal salvation. Modern Mahayana combines traditional wisdom with engaged social action, environmental activism, and interfaith dialogue.