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Mahayana

nounPronunciation: /ˌmɑː.həˈjɑː.nə/

In Portuguese: Mahayana

What does “Mahayana” mean?

One of the two major traditions of Buddhism, characterized by the ideal of the bodhisattva who seeks enlightenment for all beings. In the article, Mahayana Buddhism is the tradition to which the Heart Sutra belongs.

Etymology

From Sanskrit mahayana, meaning great vehicle. One of the two major traditions of Buddhism, alongside Theravada.

Usage examples

Concept

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Rebirthnoun
A new beginning after a period of decline or destruction, used in mythology to describe the cyclical return to life after death. In Archetype.0, rebirth is the defining characteristic of both the Bennu and the Phoenix.
Synchronicitynoun
The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
Self-immolationnoun
The deliberate destruction of oneself, typically by fire. In Archetype.0, self-immolation is the voluntary act by which the phoenix builds a nest of fragrant spices and woods, ignites itself and is consumed by the flames.
Immortalitynoun
The quality of being immune to permanent death, living or enduring beyond a single lifespan. In Archetype.0, immortality is one of the five semiotic attributes of the Phoenix: the flames are not an end but a transition, an essential phase of its immortal existence.
Mjolnirnoun
In Norse mythology, the hammer of the god Thor, forged by dwarfs and known for its short handle. It is the weapon with which he defends gods and humans.
Agapenoun
A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
Alchemistnoun
A practitioner of alchemy, seeking to transmute base metals into noble elements and discover a universal cure.
Androgynenoun
A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.
Blissnoun
A state of supreme happiness, utter contentment, or serene, untroubled joy.
Chacronanoun
The tropical shrub Psychotria viridis whose leaves provide dimethyltryptamine in the preparation of ayahuasca.
Decoctionnoun
The process of extracting soluble chemicals and active compounds from tough plant materials by continuous boiling in water.
Elixirnoun
A magical or medicinal potion believed capable of curing illnesses or conferring exceptional vitality.

Also from these editions: terms

shogunatenoun
A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
samurainoun
A member of the warrior class of feudal Japan, bound by codes of loyalty and honour, who served under the shogunate system. In the article, the samurai class is one of the two groups with access to Noh theatre.
Byproductnoun
A secondary, often unexpected result or incidental creation derived from an ongoing process or effort.
Storytellingnoun
The art, craft, or practice of conveying narratives, experiences, and insights to engage an audience.
Symbolnoun
A mark, sign, character, or visual emblem used as a conventional representation of an object, function, concept, or abstract idea.
patriarchaladjective
Of or relating to a social system in which men hold primary authority, especially over women and children. In the article, the patriarchal system of the Shogunate is the force that pushed women to the psychological limits symbolized by the Hannya mask.
katananoun
A Japanese single-edged sword with a curved blade, traditionally carried by samurai. In the article, the subject of the classified report carries an encased katana sword.
vengeful spiritnoun
A spirit driven by a desire for revenge, often depicted as a supernatural force that returns from the afterlife to right a wrong or punish the living. In Japanese Noh theatre, the Hannya mask portrays such a spirit: a woman consumed by sorrow and rage to the point of transforming into a demon.
feudaladjective
Of or relating to a political system in which lords grant land to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty. In the article, feudal describes the Japan of the Shogunate period, where rigid class hierarchies, economic exploitation and political suppression defined everyday life.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“Mahayana”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/mahayana