大乘 (Dàchéng), or Mahayana, is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, the other being 小乘 (Xiǎochéng) or Theravada. Mahayana emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva, a person who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for all sentient beings. This approach encourages compassion and altruism, aiming to help others achieve liberation from suffering. Mahayana Buddhism includes various schools and texts, such as the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra. It is practiced widely in countries like China, Japan, and Tibet. The teachings often focus on the nature of reality, the concept of emptiness, and the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood.