Final answer:
The Eightfold Path was easier to follow for monastics due to their dedication to spiritual discipline, but Mahayana Buddhism later opened the path to laypeople through altruistic and devotional activities. This allowed a broader community participation in the pursuit of enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following the Eightfold Path could have been challenging for ordinary people initially, as it requires a deep commitment to practicing wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation to achieve enlightenment or nirvana. Traditionally, it was considered that those who could dedicate their lives to monastic practices found it easier to follow the rigorous spiritual discipline expected on the Eightfold Path.
However, the advent of Mahayana Buddhism expanded the accessibility of Buddhist practices, making it possible for laypeople to earn spiritual merit through a variety of means such as making donations, copying scriptures, and engaging in various forms of community service, thus suggesting a more inclusive approach where everyone could contribute and benefit from the teachings of Buddhism.
Mahayana Buddhism brought significant changes to the original teachings, particularly in how karma was understood, now including collective benefit and the ability for individuals to assist their family, community, and future generations through good deeds and devotion. This allowed for a broader participation in Buddhist practices, giving more people the opportunity to move towards enlightenment without necessarily renouncing worldly life to become monks or nuns.