The Gods of

Mahayana
Buddhism
 Who was the ef

Gods?
Mahayana Buddhism does not have a traditional
concept of gods or a singular God meaning its a non-
theistic religion. Instead, it focuses on the Buddha
nature or the inherent potential for enlightenment in all
sentient beings. In Mahayana Buddhism, there are
various beings, such as bodhisattvas, who are revered as
enlightened beings who are capable of helping others to
reach enlightenment. However, these beings are not
considered gods in the traditional sense, but rather as
aspirational figures that serve as examples of the
qualities and virtues that practitioners should cultivate
on their own path to enlightenment.
The Four Noble
Truths
The Buddha's teachings were based
on the Four Noble Truths
Suffering is an inherent part of life
The cause of suffering is desire and
attachment
It is possible to end suffering by
eliminating desire and attachment
The way to end suffering is through
the Eightfold Path
The Early
Buddhist Texts
The Buddha's teachings were initially
passed down orally
These teachings were compiled into
the Pali Canon, also known as the
Tripitaka
The Pali Canon contains the earliest
teachings of the Buddha and is the
foundation of Theravada Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism emerged
several centuries later
The Development
of Mahayana
Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism emerged around the 1st
century CE
Mahayana means "Great Vehicle" and refers to the
idea that all beings can attain enlightenment, not
just monks and nuns
Mahayana Buddhism introduced new sutras and
teachings that expanded on the Buddha's original
teachings
Bodhisattvas
Mahayana Buddhism introduced the idea of the
bodhisattva, a being who is committed to
attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all
sentient beings
Bodhisattvas are depicted in art and literature as
compassionate figures who are willing to delay
their own enlightenment in order to help others
A bodhisattva is a person who is on the path
towards bodhi or Buddhahood.
Prajnaparamita Sutras
The Prajnaparamita Sutras are a collection of
Mahayana Buddhist texts that emphasize the
concept of emptiness
Emptiness refers to the idea that all
phenomena are empty of inherent existence
or self-nature
The Prajnaparamita Sutras are considered the
heart of Mahayana Buddhism and are highly
revered in many Mahayana traditions
Nagarjuna The Great
Philosopher of
Mahayana Buddhism
Nagarjuna was a 2nd century CE philosopher
and one of the most influential figures in
Mahayana Buddhism
He is credited with developing the concept of
shunyata, or emptiness
Nagarjuna's philosophy had a profound impact
on Mahayana Buddhism and continues to be
studied and debated by scholars today
The Spread of Mahayana
Buddhism Across Asia
Mahayana Buddhism spread across Asia over
several centuries, from India to China,
Japan, Korea, and Vietnam
As it spread, Mahayana Buddhism evolved
and adapted to local cultures and customs
Today, Mahayana Buddhism is practiced by
millions of people around the world
Mahayana
Buddhism Today
Mahayana Buddhism continues to be
a vibrant and dynamic tradition
Its emphasis on compassion, wisdom,
and the Bodhisattva ideal continues
to inspire people around the world
Whether through meditation, study, or
service, practitioners of Mahayana
Buddhism seek to alleviate suffering
and promote well-being for all beings.
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