What is the Ideal Practitioner in Mahayana Buddhism?

Mahayana Buddhism, one of the major branches of Buddhism, shares many fundamental beliefs with its Theravada counterpart, including the belief that the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni Gautama, attained enlightenment as a human. However, while many aspects of Mahayana Buddhism are similar to Theravada Buddhism, there are some distinct differences in its philosophical and spiritual approaches. This essay aims to explore the concept of the ideal practitioner in Mahayana Buddhism and how this differs from the perspectives in Theravada and Vajrayana traditions.

Foundational Beliefs in Mahayana Buddhism

The historical Buddha, Shakyamuni Gautama (also known as Siddhartha Gautama), is central to all forms of Buddhism. In Mahayana Buddhism, he is often viewed as the ideal practitioner who has attained Nirvana, the state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The unique aspect of Mahayana Buddhism is its expansion of this ideal to include all sentient beings as having the potential to attain Buddhahood, not just the historical Buddha himself.

Characteristics of the Ideal Practitioner in Mahayana Buddhism

In Mahayana Buddhism, the ideal practitioner does not just exist to achieve personal enlightenment. The ultimate goal is not merely to become an arhat, a fully enlightened person who will cease to be reborn. Instead, the ideal practitioner (or bodhisattva) seeks to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. The concept of a bodhisattva, explained below, is central to Mahayana Buddhism and offers a unique perspective on the ideal practitioner.

Bodhisattva Ideal in Mahayana Buddhism

One of the key concepts in Mahayana Buddhism is the bodhisattva, an ideal practitioner who vows to achieve enlightenment for the sake of others rather than for personal liberation. The term “bodhisattva” comes from the Sanskrit phrase bodhisattva-mudra, meaning “being on the path of enlightenment.” A bodhisattva is characterized by:

Selflessness: Bodhisattvas forego their own liberation in favor of guiding others to enlightenment. Compassion: They have profound compassion and concern for the suffering of others. Wisdom: They possess a deep understanding of the Buddhist doctrine and principles. Patience: They exhibit great patience in their spiritual journey and in their interactions with others.

By embodying these qualities, the ideal practitioner in Mahayana Buddhism seeks to create a world where all beings can attain enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Comparison with Other Buddhist Traditions

While the ideal practitioner in Mahayana Buddhism shares a common goal of achieving enlightenment, the concepts and practices differ from those in Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism. In Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on the Noble Eightfold Path and the attainment of personal enlightenment (arhatship), the ideal practitioner is one who has realized the Four Noble Truths and cultivates mindfulness and meditation to eventually reach Nirvana. There is a stronger emphasis on detachment and non-attachment.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, another form of Mahayana Buddhism, the ideal practitioner may use esoteric methods and rituals (tantras) to accelerate their path to enlightenment. While the bodhisattva ideal still exists, Vajrayana Buddhism places additional emphasis on the use of purified practices and dakinis (feminine deities) to aid in the spiritual journey.

Conclusion

The ideal practitioner in Mahayana Buddhism is a bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. This concept emphasizes compassion, wisdom, and selflessness, setting it apart from the personal liberation-focused ideals in Theravada and the ritualistic practices of Vajrayana. Understanding the bodhisattva ideal provides a deeper insight into the ethical and spiritual drive behind Mahayana Buddhism, making it a rich and accessible tradition for those seeking to understand and practice Buddhism in the modern world.