The 'greater' vehicle in buddhism. Came into being around the 4th or 5th century in India, and spread northward. Most popular in China, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries in eastern Asia. Some well-known forms include Zen and Pure Land. Also known as 'northern buddhism', especially by the 'southern' or hinayana ('lesser' vehicle) buddhists. Characterized by the bodhisattva ideal.