SINCE 1828
Mahayana
noun
Ma·ha·ya·na
| \ ˌmä-hə-ˈyä-nə
\
\
Definition of Mahayana
: a liberal and theistic branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in China and Japan, recognizing a large body of scripture in addition to the Pali canon, and teaching social concern and universal salvation — compare theravada
Other Words from Mahayana
Mahayanist
\ ˌmä-hə-ˈyä-nist
\
noun or adjective
\
noun or adjective
Mahayanistic
\ ˌmä-hə-yä-ˈni-stik
\
adjective
\
adjective
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
A 12-Word Journey on the Buddhist Path
A 12-Word Journey on the Buddhist Path
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Last Updated
23 Apr 2019
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The first known use of Mahayana was in 1855
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