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What is the main focus of Mahāyāna?
The main focus of Mahāyāna is the concept of compassion and the bodhisattva path. Mahāyāna, which translates to "Greater Vehicle," is a branch of Buddhism that emerged around the 1st century CE in India and spread throughout East Asia.
Compassion, or karuṇā in Sanskrit, is the cornerstone of Mahāyāna Buddhism. It is the idea of having deep empathy and concern for the suffering of others, and striving to alleviate that suffering. In Mahāyāna, compassion is not only directed towards oneself and others, but also towards all sentient beings.
The bodhisattva path is the spiritual journey towards enlightenment, with the goal of becoming a bodhisattva - a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment. This path is seen as the highest form of altruism, as bodhisattvas dedicate their lives to helping others rather than solely seeking personal enlightenment.
Mahāyāna also places a strong emphasis on the idea of emptiness, or śūnyatā in Sanskrit. This is the concept that all phenomena, including the self, are empty of inherent existence. This understanding helps to cultivate compassion, as it allows one to see the interconnectedness of all beings and the impermanence of the self.
In Mahāyāna, the ultimate goal is not just individual enlightenment, but the enlightenment of all beings. This is reflected in the concept of the "Three Bodies of Buddha" - the dharmakāya (ultimate reality), the saṃbhogakāya (bliss body), and the nirmāṇakāya (manifestation body). The nirmāṇakāya is the physical form of the Buddha, which can appear in various forms to guide and teach beings in their spiritual journey.
Mahāyāna also places a strong emphasis on the use of skillful means, or upāya in Sanskrit, to help guide others towards enlightenment. This can include various methods such as teaching, meditation, and ritual practices, tailored to the needs and abilities of different individuals.
Overall, the main focus of Mahāyāna is to cultivate compassion and follow the bodhisattva path, with the ultimate goal of attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This emphasis on compassion and altruism makes Mahāyāna a truly beautiful and compassionate path towards spiritual awakening.