Why Is Mahayana Buddhism Important in Today's World?

Mahayana Buddhism has left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of the world with its grand and sublime expressions of human longing for the infinite and eternal. It is estimated that the body of Mahayana texts is larger than that of all other world religions combined, showcasing its monumental significance.

Mahayana: A Reform Movement

Mahayana Buddhism emerged as a reform movement against the institutionalized Buddhist establishment, which had become predominantly monastic, excluding lay practitioners. This shift led to a situation where lay practitioners were encouraged to 'make merit' for future incarnations by providing monks with essential necessities, but achieving the status of arhat or arahant was increasingly seen as the exclusive prerogative of the monastic sangha.

The Mahayana teachings, often referred to as the 'greater vehicle,' sought to be inclusive and opened the Buddha's teachings to all, including male and female lay disciples. This movement represented a return to the Buddha's own open invitation to all, where he had many lay disciples who achieved enlightenment.

Revitalizing Buddhist Praxis

The introduction of Mahayana teachings breathed new life into existing practices, which had become quite outdated and rigid. From this point onward, lay men and women learned that they too could become bodhisattvas, and that every individual has buddhanature at their core. These views, while deeply rooted in the Buddha's teachings, were expressed in a rich corpus of texts that expanded beyond the original Pali suttas, including vivid imagery and dramatic flair.

Mahayana texts, celebrated for their literary elegance, are considered some of the finest works of ancient Eastern literature. However, more orthodox Buddhist establishments viewed these texts as non-canonical. Despite this, the spread of Mahayana proved unstoppable, with its teachings seen as a new blossoming of the original Buddha's teachings.

Modern Perspectives and Inclusivity

Today, many Theravada teachers disregard the artificial boundaries set by tradition, as seen with Jack Kornfield, who began his journey as a Theravada monk but freely quotes the Diamond and Heart Sutras, both from Mahayana canon. This trend reflects a broader openness that Mahayana Buddhism embodies, allowing it to adapt to the needs of the modern world.

For me, the beauty of Mahayana lies in its ability to provide access to both older and newer texts, while respecting the original teachings of the Buddha. The strict dividing line between the official canon and non-canonical texts in orthodox Theravada circles seems somewhat artificial, given that even the Theravada canon includes interpretive texts written long after the Buddha's death. The sudden cutoff leaves out all Mahayana sutras, while Mahayana sees the Buddha's Dharma as a living and evolving entity.

This open mindset has allowed Mahayana Buddhism to enter new terrain and adapt to modern needs without losing touch with the original message. Therefore, the importance of Mahayana Buddhism in today's world cannot be overstated. It bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary practice, offering a more inclusive and accessible path to spiritual growth and enlightenment.