_The Rational Romance of the Mahayana Path_ by Lo Cho-yan Him is a profound work that guides readers into the depths of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and its core teachings.

《辯經‧理性的浪漫：大乘主義的自由之路》是佛學研究者羅卓仁謙的一部精湛作品，帶領讀者深入探索大乘佛教的核心思想與哲學內涵。

**Intro:**

- **The Rise and Background of Mahayana Buddhism**: Mahayana Buddhism developed from early Buddhist teachings, not as a complete rejection, but as an expansion. It emphasizes that beyond personal liberation, one should also consider the welfare of others, making this compassion an essential path to enlightenment.

- **The Question of Post-Nirvana**: Mahayana Buddhism delves deeper into the "meaning" after reaching Nirvana. It views liberation not as the end, but as a process toward a greater purpose. Unlike early Buddhism's focus on the "end of suffering," Mahayana stresses continued altruistic practice even after attaining a state of non-defilement.

- **Deification of the Buddha**: After the Buddha's Nirvana, people gradually deified him, creating stories of his past lives. This elevated reverence for the Buddha's qualities led to the concept of "Buddhas in the Ten Directions," suggesting the existence of other Buddhas in various realms.

- **Perception of Emptiness and Reality**: Mahayana's concept of emptiness posits that things lack inherent essence and are born of interdependent origination, without an independent, true existence. This challenges early Buddhist views on "reality," emphasizing the role of consciousness in shaping reality.

- **Role of the Bodhisattva and Altruism**: In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas not only seek personal liberation but also commit to helping others attain it. This altruism is central to Mahayana values, practiced through wisdom and compassion. Mahayana encourages not just wishing others well but actively engaging in their welfare.

- **Buddha Nature and the Bodhisattva Path**: Mahayana Buddhism asserts that all beings have the potential for enlightenment, referred to as "Buddha Nature." This potential awakens gradually through cultivating wisdom and compassion, leading to an interconnected state with all life. The "Bodhisattva Path" emphasizes the union of wisdom and compassion and uses "skillful means" to assist others.

- **Ethics and Wisdom**: Mahayana ethics highlight the importance of intention and context over fixed rules. It emphasizes the synergy of wisdom and compassion, where wisdom discerns appropriate actions and compassion ensures that these actions are selfless and altruistic.

- **Flexibility in Practice**: Mahayana Buddhism does not advocate a single, universal path but instead stresses adapting to the needs of different beings. This flexibility makes Mahayana inclusive and encourages practicing within everyday life.

- **Subjective Perspective on Reality**: Mahayana Buddhism advocates active participation in creating reality rather than merely observing it passively. This perspective allows individuals to interpret and respond to the world in various ways, fostering deeper wisdom and compassion.

The Rational Romance of the Mahayana Path｜大乘佛教的智慧與慈悲The Wisdom and Compassion of Mahayana Buddhism

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