MAHAYANA BUDDHISM ACCORDING TO AI

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has its plus points.

This morning, I decided to study more about Mahayana Buddhism. 

Below is what AI presented to me:

Mahayana, meaning "Great Vehicle" in Sanskrit, is a major branch of Buddhism that originated in India around the 1st century BCE. It is the dominant form of Buddhism in Central and East Asia, including China, Tibet, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. Mahayana accepts the core teachings of early Buddhism but is distinguished by its emphasis on the ideal of the Bodhisattva, a compassionate being who delays their own final enlightenment to help all other sentient beings achieve nirvana.

Core principles 

Mahayana Buddhism is distinguished from other traditions like Theravada by several key doctrines: 

The Bodhisattva path: The central ideal is not personal liberation (arhatship), but to become a Bodhisattva—an "enlightenment being" who vows to save all beings from suffering. This involves cultivating wisdom (

$prajñā$

) and compassion (

$karunā$

).
Universal awakening: Mahayana teaches that all beings have the potential to become a Buddha, a concept sometimes referred to as "Buddha-nature" (

$tathāgatagarbha$

).
Expanded cosmology: Unlike early Buddhism, Mahayana texts present a more elaborate cosmology featuring numerous cosmic Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who preside over various "Buddha-fields" or pure lands. Prominent examples include Amitābha Buddha and the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Mañjuśrī.
Emptiness (

$śūnyatā$

): This philosophical concept, notably developed by the philosopher Nāgārjuna, states that all phenomena are "empty" of inherent existence. This is not a nihilistic view, but a way of breaking down false assumptions about reality and duality to achieve awakening.

Scriptures

Mahayana scriptures are known as Sutras and were compiled several centuries after the Buddha's death. While Mahayana accepts the earliest scriptures, its own texts are considered true teachings of the Buddha and often feature more elaborate narratives and settings. Key Mahayana Sutras include: 
Prajñāpāramitā Sutras: A collection that includes the famous Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra, which emphasize the perfection of wisdom.
Lotus Sutra: A highly influential text that emphasizes the universal potential for enlightenment and features the Bodhisattva ideal.
Pure Land Sutras: These texts focus on the vows of Amitābha Buddha and describe his Pure Land (Sukhāvatī), where faithful devotees can be reborn.

Major schools and traditions

Mahayana is a diverse collection of traditions that have adapted to different cultures. 

Pure Land Buddhism: Focuses on devotion to Amitābha Buddha, with followers seeking rebirth in his Pure Land through faith and chanting his name.
Zen Buddhism: Originating in China as Chán, this tradition emphasizes meditation (zazen), direct personal experience, and often paradoxical stories (koans) to achieve sudden enlightenment.

Tibetan Buddhism: A form of Mahayana that also incorporates Vajrayana (or Mantra) traditions. It is characterized by Tantric methods and a lineage of lamas, led by the Dalai Lama. 

Mahayana vs. Theravada

The main differences between Mahayana and Theravada, the other major branch of Buddhism, are:

Feature	Mahayana	Theravada
Ideal	The Bodhisattva, who postpones their own enlightenment to help others.	The Arhat, a person who achieves personal liberation from suffering.
Scope of Awakening	Anyone can attain enlightenment; universal potential.	Primarily focuses on monastics and individual efforts.
Scriptures	Recognizes the Pali Canon and a broader collection of Mahayana Sutras.	Primarily relies on the Pali Canon of early Buddhist texts.
Cosmology	Elaborate cosmology with multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in different world realms.	Centered on the historical Buddha, with a more limited pantheon of beings.
Geography	Predominant in China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, and Mongolia.	Predominant in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.