It is one of the main branches of Buddhism, along with the Theravada. Mahayana Buddhism, whose name means “Great Vehicle”, originated in India around the 1st century AD. and spread throughout Central Asia, China, Corea, Japan, Tibet and other regions. This approach to Buddhism is characterized by its emphasis on compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajna), and his goal of achieving enlightenment not only for himself but for all beings. Mahayana practitioners follow the ideal of bodhisattva, a being who is committed to helping others achieve enlightenment before completing their own liberation. The Mahayana scriptures include important sutras such as the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra, inter alia.
