The ultimate goal in Mahāyāna Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment, also known as Buddhahood. This is the state of complete understanding and liberation from suffering, as well as the ability to guide others towards enlightenment. In Mahāyāna, this goal is not just for oneself, but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

One of the key beliefs in Mahāyāna is the concept of the bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others reach the same state. This is in contrast to the Theravada tradition, which focuses on individual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The path towards enlightenment in Mahāyāna involves the cultivation of compassion and wisdom. Compassion is seen as the key to breaking free from the cycle of suffering, as it leads to actions that benefit others and ultimately oneself. This is why Mahāyāna emphasizes the bodhisattva path, as it encourages practitioners to not only seek their own enlightenment but also work towards the enlightenment of all beings.

In addition to compassion, wisdom is also crucial in the Mahāyāna path. This includes understanding the true nature of reality, the concept of emptiness, and the interdependence of all things. Through this understanding, one can overcome ignorance and achieve enlightenment.

The ultimate goal of enlightenment in Mahāyāna is not seen as a distant or unattainable state, but rather as something that can be achieved in this lifetime. This is due to the belief in the innate Buddha nature within all beings, which can be cultivated and realized through diligent practice.

Furthermore, Mahāyāna also emphasizes the importance of skillful means, or adapting one's teachings and actions to the individual needs and capacities of others. This allows for a more inclusive and accessible path towards enlightenment, as it recognizes that each individual may have different abilities and understanding.

In summary, the ultimate goal in Mahāyāna is to achieve enlightenment and become a fully awakened being, in order to benefit all sentient beings. This is achieved through the cultivation of compassion, wisdom, and skillful means, as well as the understanding of the interdependence of all beings.