Mahayana is an 8-letter term that is used to refer to one of the two major branches of BUDDHISM. It is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Great Vehicle' and is associated with the more liberal and inclusive form of BUDDHISM. Mahayana BUDDHISM emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, which is the idea that all beings should strive for enlightenment in order to help others achieve it as well. This branch of BUDDHISM is practiced in East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.