Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva—an enlightened being who seeks to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. It teaches that anyone can attain Buddhahood, not just monks, and values compassion and altruism. Mahayana includes a variety of texts and practices, with an emphasis on devotion to celestial Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara. It also encourages methods like meditation and ethical living to cultivate wisdom and compassion, aiming for a collective awakening rather than individual enlightenment alone.