• Upon the death of Gautama Buddha in 400 BC, Buddhism divided into two sects: Mahayana and Hinayana.
• The Mahayana sect, which means ‘Great Vehicle’ in Sanskrit, believed in the divinity of the Buddha. The sect encouraged idol worship in Buddhism.
• The Hinayana sect, meaning ‘Small Vehicle’ in Sanskrit, did not believe in the divinity of the Buddha. It stressed individual salvation through self-discipline and mediation.
• Buddhists all over the world will celebrate Mahayana New Year on January 14 of this year. Various Buddhist philosophies and ideologies are referred to as Mahayana.
• One of Buddhism's two main branches, Mahayana is primarily practiced in Northeast Asia.
• Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Mahayana Buddhism is practiced according to customs and traditions unique to each region.

Date: Current Affairs - 14-01-2025
Category: Important Days

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