Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana means great vehicle. Mahayana Buddhism is sometimes called northern Buddhism because it was traditionally found in northern Asia, in countries such as Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan. It is also called Sanskrit Buddhism because its key texts were originally in the Sanskrit language. These writings are now usually in local languages, such as Tibetan or Japanese.

The key texts that Mahayana Buddhists use, in addition to their own versions of the Tripitaka, are the Prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom); the Lotus Sutra (true doctrine); the Vimalakirti (the name of a person); and the Sukhavati (land of purity or happiness). These texts date from between 100 B.C. and A.D. 200. Mahayana Buddhists believe these are the Buddha's teachings regardless of whether or not they originated during the lifetime of the historical Buddha.

Scholars have argued about the origins of the Mahayana traditions. In the centuries after Gautama's death, some monks claimed they could offer more possibility of enlightenment than others, whom they called the Hinayana (little vehicle). This was the term they used for those who followed the way modern Buddhists call Theravada. These monks saw themselves as representing Mahayana. They emphasize certain important ideas, which they think are also taught in the Pali Canon.

Cosmic Buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Accordingly to Mahayana Buddhists, people do not have to rely on their own efforts to become enlightened. Nor do they have to become monks and nuns. They can be helped toward nirvana by cosmic Buddhas (Buddhas from other worlds), and bodhisattvas. A bodhisattva is a person who strives to become a Buddha by leading a life of virtue and wisdom.

A bodhisattva vows that he or she will take all beings to nirvana with them. He or she may even postpone attaining nirvana in order to relieve suffering through acts of love and compassion. The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is particularly compassionate toward all beings. The ideal in Mahayana Buddhism is to be a bodhisattva, and care more about the enlightenment of others than about your own. Faith in a cosmic Buddha like Amitabha can help people to become reborn in the cosmic Buddha's pure land. From there, the cosmic Buddha will assist them to nirvana.

Bodhisattvas and cosmic Buddhas teach in many different contexts and to people of all levels of ability. Mahayana Buddhists use many kinds of practices, from the use of mantras (sacred formulas repeated frequently) to koans (puzzling sayings or riddles which startle people into reflection).