Final answer:
In Mahayana Buddhism, the nature of the Buddha is viewed as more than the historical figure of Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizing an eternal and universal Buddha nature with the potential for enlightenment in all beings. The tradition underscores the role of the bodhisattva and teaches that anyone can aspire to Buddha-hood through compassion and wisdom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nature of the Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by its expansive view of the nature of Buddhahood itself. Mahayana Buddhism, most common in East Asia including Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and eastern China, offers a concept of Buddha that goes beyond the historical figure of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
The Mahayana tradition espouses the idea of an eternal and universal Buddha nature, which is the potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings. It also teaches the possibility of multiple Buddhas existing across different realms and times.
In Mahayana teachings, it is believed that through practicing the path of compassion and wisdom, and by following the teachings of the Buddha such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, any individual can aspire to become a Buddha.
The tradition also emphasizes the concept of the bodhisattva, an enlightened being who postpones their own final enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve liberation from suffering. Thus, the nature of the Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism is aligned with universal compassion, altruism, and the aspiration for collective enlightenment.