Mahayana Tradition 

Mahayana means The great vehicle. It is predominantly spread in East Asia, such as China, Japan, South Korea, etc.

It is the largest Buddhist tradition in the world.

In Singapore, it is the most popular among other Buddhist traditions.

One of the well-known rituals of Mahayana tradition is the "three steps one bow" ritual, practiced during Vesak day.

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Mahayana tradition mainly uses scriptures and chants in Sanskrit or Mandarin.

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The colour of the robe that Mahayana monks wear depends on which group it belongs to, as different groups within this tradition wear robes of different colours.

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Buddhist traditions that are a part of Mahayana would include but not limited to Zen, Pure Land and Tibetan.

 

Zen 

• Mind dhamma -  the teacher would use various didactic methods to pinpoint the true nature of the mind or Buddha Nature.

• Gong’an -  the teacher uses particular words and phrases, shouts, roars of laughter, sighs, gestures with the objective to awaken the student to the essential truth of the mind. 

 

Chanting 

• Pure land - Repeatedly chanting of the name Amitabha. It is believed that by chanting the Amitabha Buddha's name, it enables the practitioner to bring all his or her attention to that Buddha (Samadhi)