Mahayana Buddhism (Buddhism)

One of three branches of Buddhism, marked by idealism and devotional practices, this tradition may be broadly related with the geographical areas of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. It has become closely associated with various indigenous religions and many see no difficulty in adhering simultaneously to Buddhist and Confucian, Shinto or Taoist practices. The "great way" is actualized by working for the welfare of all in day-to-day life. Immediate personal enlightenment is seen as a lesser goal, the importance being altruism and compassion with the ultimate aim for all of becoming a [bodhisattva]

, seen as superior to that of the Hinayana tradition of arhatship. Understanding of the world needs to be transformed until nothing created is seen to have real independent existence, or any permanence. Balance and harmony are achieved - devotional and visionary experience warm the otherwise cold, dry, emptiness experience, which in turn protects from the trap of marvellous visions.

The fourth (next to highest) form of zazen according to the classification of zen practice into five categories by Kuei-feng Tsung-mi.