What is Mahayana Buddhism? Mahayana Buddhism, one of the major branches of Buddhism, emerged around the first century CE as a reformist movement seeking to expand upon the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Literally translated as the “Great Vehicle,” Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the ideal of bodhisattva, beings who
Though women have always played an important role in Buddhism, they haven’t always been given the recognition or rights they deserve. #1 The Buddha’s Initial Opposition to Nuns The ancient chronicle recounts a significant event when Mahāpājapati, the Buddha’s aunt and foster mother, along with five hundred princesses, approached the
The Tibetan term “chöd” translates to “cutting off” or “slaying.” It refers to a traditional Buddhist practice where individuals offer their own bodies to frightening demons. Through Chöd, practitioners aim to break free from self-centeredness and the belief in a fixed, independent identity. Chöd involves symbolically offering one’s body, often
