Mahayana
Bodhisattva path tradition
Mahayana is one of the two major branches of Buddhism, dominant in East Asia—China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet.
The Sanskrit means "great vehicle," contrasting with Theravada Buddhism (the "lesser vehicle" in Mahayana terminology).
Mahayana emphasizes the bodhisattva path: postponing one's own enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve liberation.
Zen and Pure Land are Mahayana traditions.
Focused attention practice
- mantraRepeated focus phrase
- prostrationsActs of lying flat in submission
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
mandala · merit-making · refuge · precepts · dedication · aspiration · vows · mindfulness
meditation
Focused attention practice
- mantraRepeated focus phrase
- prostrationsActs of lying flat in submission
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
visualization · mandala · merit-making · refuge · precepts · dedication · aspiration · vows · mindfulness
Bodhisattva
Enlightened being aiding others
- Buddha-natureIntrinsic potential for awakening
Zen
Meditative Buddhist school
- Tibetan BuddhismHimalayan tantric spiritual tradition
Sutras
Sacred aphoristic religious texts
Theravada
Buddhism of the elders
Tara
Irish feminine name
- Dalai LamaTibetan Buddhism's supreme leader