MAHAYANA

[Ma.ha.ya.na] n [Skt mahayana, lit., great vehicle] (1855): a liberal and theistic branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in China and Japan, recognizing a large body of scripture in addition to the Pali canon, and teaching social concern and universal salvation--compare theravada -- Ma.ha.ya.nist n or adj -- Ma.ha.ya.nis.tic adj