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Mahayana Buddhism |
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Assumptions: Mahayana Buddhism accepts
the same fundamental assumptions as Theravada. An important
difference, however, is Mahayana's belief that after the Buddha attained
enlightenment, he chose not to enter nirvana; rather he chose to return
to this world again and again in order to teach other people how to
attain nirvana. Notice that the basic assumptions shift away from
the teachings of the Buddha to the Buddha's character. In
particular, his compassion is emphasized. The Buddha is seen as a bodhisattva:
an enlightened one who postpones entering into Nirvana in order to help
others. |
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| The Problem:
All persons have the Buddha- nature within themselves.
Theoretically, all persons over a series of lifetimes can attain
enlightenment. The problem, however, is that humans are
weak. Most have neither the time nor the resources to devote to
following all parts of the Eightfold path. In fact, in Theravada
Buddhism, one has to become a monk to devote himself full time to
seeking salvation. In short, while in theory humans can save
themselves, in practice only a few are able to do so. |
| The Cure:
The solution to the problem posed by Mahayana Buddhism is summed up in
the person of the bodhisattva. The bodhisattva presents two types of
cure for the human dilemma. On the one hand, the bodhisattva is
the ideal that a person should imitate. In particular, one is
called the imitate the compassion of the Buddha. The quest for
enlightenment is not a selfish one; it is one that is meant to help
others. (Remember the vow of the Bodhisattva). In a sense, living as a bodhisattva is an expression of
wholeness and reconciliation to sacred reality in this world. |
| On the other hand, the bodhisattva is a savior to those
who are weak. Once a person has become a bodhisattva, he/she has the
power to help other people toward enlightenment. This help is
provided in more than just teaching and instruction. The
bodhisattva can share her or his merit with others. A type of
Mahayana Buddhism known as Pure Land Buddhism illustrates this
idea. Pure Land Buddhism traces its origins back to an ancient
prince known as Amida or Amitabha. Amida was who was
initially a monk who took the vow to become a bodhisattva. When he
attained enlightenment he chose to use his virtue to prepare a special
place of bliss, the Pure Land, - a paradise in the
"west." He vowed that anyone who would call on his name
could enter this land. There they could remain, or they could strive
towards enlightenment, which would be much closer. Thus, we have
an example of salvation by faith in Amida. Those who are weak can
call upon him, put their trust in his merit and be assured of entering a
type of paradise.
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| Type of Salvation: The salvation
envisioned by Mahayana Buddhism may fall into more than one
category. First, Mahayana definitely fits into the category
of individual salvation through cosmic expansion. As in Theravada,
individuals seek enlightenment. Second, in some Mahayana
traditions such as Pure Land, there is clearly an element of individual
salvation in another world. Finally, one could argue that because
the bodhisattva vows to save all beings, there are elements of
both group salvation through cosmic expansion or group salvation
in another world.
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