1. What are some of the unique traits of Mahayana Buddhism?
Mahayana Buddhists believe that everyone is capable of becoming a Buddha, not just the members of their school or other Buddhist schools. That is, any lay person has the potential to reach enlightenment. The Mahayana Buddhist adheres to life of compassion for all things, they seek to help others in their end of suffering. Mahayana Buddhism also follows more of a learn from the Buddhas actions and how he lived his life and not solely rely on strict doctrine to attain enlightenment.
2. What is necessary in order to attain bodhicitta?
I think that a strong sense of compassion towards others who have not yet or are currently trying to end their suffering, to help them attain a cessation and become enlightened. Even if the practicing Buddhist does find and ends, he or she will keep trying no matter how long it takes. When the Buddhist does these things out of the kindness of their minds, bodhiccitta will eventually follow.
3. Why do you think Mahayana Buddhism appeals to such large numbers of people?
Mahayana Buddhism appeals to large numbers of people because of its "universal" inclusion and approachability. Mahayana Buddhism is made available for everyone and teaches compassion and the inter-connectivity of all living things. In other words, we are all the same and we can all attain enlightenment no matter who you are or what you have done in the past.
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