In the 500 years after the Buddha's death, about twenty monastic schools emerged in India, some separated by differing codes of conduct, some by distance. Dissatisfaction with monkish elitism, intense philosophical speculation, and the influence of Hindu devotionalism led to the formation of the Mahayana(Great Vehicle) - virtually a new Buddhist religion.

Mahayana, one of the two primary schools of Buddhism emphasizes the historical teachings of the Buddha. Mahayana is on the path and practices of the bodhisattva, which necessarily strives for the liberation and enlightenment of all sentient beings.

Mahayanists stresses loving-kindness and compassion and places greater emphasis on the capacity for enlightenment than does the earlier more monk-centered Therevada tradition. In conjunction with wisdom, it is believed to be the formula for enlightenment. In China, Mahayana Buddhism flourished and took on many forms.