A branch of Buddhism is Mahayana, which literally means the Great Vehicle. Mahayana can most easily be defined as a loose set of teachings with broad and expansive principles that all coexist together. Mahayana is defined as penetrating further and deeper into the Buddha Dharma, or the way of the Buddha. This practice originated in India and slowly spread across Asia to countries like China, Japan, and Korea through the missionary activities of monks and the support of kings. However, the roots of this religion are not yet completely known. In early views it was assumed to be a separate school. Because of the reverence of the Buddha, Mahayana was often understood as a traditional and more religious practice of Buddhism. However, these views have long been dismissed due to the greater number of early texts becoming available. These original texts often illustrate a firm conformity to the path of a bodhisattva and a commitment to the abstinent ideal of a monastic life in the world. Similar to other branches of Buddhism, Mahayana believes that suffering is produced by clinging to temporary or transient things and experiences. The ultimate salvation is nirvana. Some schools believe that enlightened beings are reborn in pure lands, immeasurable paradises where they coexist with Buddhas and bodhisattvas. The bodhisattva is probably the most important characteristic of Mahayana. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who continue in the world to help those lives that still suffer. It is believed that the cultivation of prajna or wisdom in relation to meditation allows a person to get rid of the ignorance that causes them to suffer. In the Mahayana tradition, there is no sacred time. The bodhisatt...... middle of paper ......n as the "Perfection of Wisdom", which forms the basis of many later Mahayana schools. Other important early texts include the Lotus Sutra and the 'Vimalakirti Nirdesha Sutra'. Mahayana thought has been exceptionally powerful in Western philosophy and in religious and ethical practice. The beginning of the Mahayana is marked, among other things, by a profound emphasis on the importance of the book; hundreds of new texts were written, copied, distributed and often revered. This was perhaps intended to counter the dominance of stupa veneration in other Buddhist schools. Over the past 2000 years of history, Mahayana Buddhism has been significantly modified and evolved, driven by the constant changes of the modern world. The religion was able to expand across Asia, Europe and North America by integrating new political and social issues into its traditional practices..