Ma·ha·ya·na 
(mä′hə-yänə)
(mä′hə-yänə)n.
One of the major schools of Buddhism, traditionally active in much of Nepal, Tibet, and East Asia and emphasizing compassion and the possibility of universal salvation.
[Sanskrit Mahāyānam, greater vehicle (as contrasted with Hīnayānam, lesser vehicle; see HINAYANA) : mahā-, great; see meg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + yānam, vehicle; see ei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
Ma′ha·yanist n.
Ma′ha·ya·nistic adj.