[mah-huh-yah-nuh] 
| the later of the two great schools of Buddhism, chiefly in China, Tibet, and Japan, characterized by eclecticism and a general belief in a common search for salvation, sometimes thought to be attainable through faith alone. |
[mah-huh-yah-nist] , noun | Ma·ha·ya·na (mä'hə-yä'nə) n. One of the major schools of Buddhism, traditionally active in much of Nepal, Tibet, and East Asia and emphasizing compassion and the possibility of universal salvation. [Sanskrit Mahāyānam, greater vehicle (as contrasted with Hīnayānam, lesser vehicle; see Hinayana) : mahā-, great; see meg- in Indo-European roots + yānam, vehicle; see ei- in Indo-European roots.] Ma'ha·ya'nist n., Ma'ha·ya·nis'tic adj. |
