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 the Appendix of Indo-European roots + yānam, vehicle; see ei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Ma′ha·yanist n. Ma′ha·ya·nistic adj. |
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