Mahāyāna

One of the two major forms of Buddhism, found in China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. Veneration of bodhisattvas (those who achieve enlightenment but remain on the human plane in order to help other living beings) is a fundamental belief in Mahāyāna, as is the idea that everyone has within them the seeds of Buddhahood.

The Lotus Sūtra describes the historical Buddha as only one manifestation of the eternal Buddha, the ultimate law (dharma) of the cosmos and the omnipresent and compassionate saviour. The Perfection of Wisdom Sūtra teaches that all phenomena are empty of permanent existence, and advocates the bodhisattva path to Buddhahood.

Many branches of the Mahāyāna school exist, and there is a wide variety of practice. As Mahāyāna beliefs are complex, involving many Buddhas and bodhisattvas, the rituals are often involved and time-consuming. Unlike the Theravāda school, the celibate life of a monk is regarded as less important, and ordained Mahāyāna Buddhists often have more involvement in the world. The monks' dress varies from country to country.