Q: What does the word ‘Mahayana’ mean?

A: The word ‘maha’ means ‘great’ and the word ‘yana’ means ‘vehicle’, or transportation. Generally, it is translated as the ‘Great Vehicle’. The word ‘Great’ has two meanings; first, all things are fundamentally the same and equal. Second, all things have a Buddha-nature that manifests the ultimate merits. On the other hand, the word ‘Vehicle’ is a means or a way transporting all things into the enlightened world. In other words, the vehicle equally treats and helps all things to achieve and manifest their Buddha-nature.

Q: I understand all beings have Buddha-nature. Then, what does it mean by Buddha-nature that manifests the ultimate merits?

A: All beings consist of one whole universe. Each of them is like a part of one complicated web; all beings exist and work interdependently to form one whole universe like a huge web. Their interdependency itself is called Buddha-nature; their interdependent work is called merit. That is, Buddha-nature is the potential state of interdependency of all beings as a basic nature. Ultimate merit is the exposure of such interdependency of all beings as a phenomenon.

Q: Then, could you explain how is the ‘Great Vehicle’ different from the ‘Small Vehicle’?

A: I think there are two different ideas; first, the ‘Small Vehicle’ does not suppose a Buddha-nature even though it emphasizes all things are one and equal. Therefore, the highest level of enlightenment that practitioners can achieve in the ‘Small vehicle’ tradition is the stage of Arhat. Second, the ‘Small Vehicle’ does not focus on dynamics and changes of a means as a method achieving or manifesting Buddha-hood.

Q: I can understand the first difference. However, I need more explanation to grasp the meaning of a means. What exactly is a’means’?

A: Fundamentally, both traditions have the same goal to see the true reality of all things. Then, in order to reach the goal, the ‘Small Vehicle’ emphasizes the traditional way of means. On the other hand, the ‘Great Vehicle’ is more open and flexible to change. Also, it transformsits vehicle as a means for enlightenment depending on the situation. In this sense, in the ‘Great Vehicle’ tradition, there is the ‘eight-four thousand gates of teaching’ that are expedient means towards enlightenment.

Q: Why does it need many means for enlightenment?