MAHĀYĀNA BUDDHISM IN ASIA

Abstract

          Mahāyāna Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism that is widely practiced in East Asian countries. It originated in India around the 5th to 7th century CE and emerged from the fusion of the philosophical principles of 18 smaller sects, with a focus on the practice of compassion and the Bodhisattva path. Countries such as India, Nepal, and Bhutan are home to Mahāyāna Buddhism, which has different practices and attitudes compared to the Theravāda tradition. After the Buddha's time, Mahāyāna Buddhism spread across many countries in Asia, including Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The study of Mahāyāna Buddhism emphasizes the cultivation of virtues to become a Bodhisattva, with the goal of attaining Buddhahood or working towards the enlightenment of all beings, ultimately aiming to free oneself from suffering.