What concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism as highlighted in The Lotus Sutra?

The central concept of Mahayana Buddhism, as highlighted in The Lotus Sutra, is the ideal of the bodhisattva who seeks enlightenment for all beings. This text emphasizes the importance of altruism and the commitment to assist others in achieving enlightenment rather than pursuing it solely for oneself. The bodhisattva embodies compassion and selflessness, exemplifying the aspiration to help all sentient beings escape suffering and attain nirvana. This ideal represents a significant shift from earlier Buddhist traditions that often focused on personal enlightenment.

In contrast, while karma and rebirth are fundamental concepts in Buddhism, they do not specifically capture the essence of Mahayana teachings as presented in The Lotus Sutra. Additionally, the necessity of ritual and tradition might hold importance in various religious practices, but it does not distinctly characterize the Mahayana focus on the bodhisattva path. Lastly, the rejection of enlightenment as unattainable does not align with Mahayana principles, which assert that enlightenment is possible and that helping others to achieve it is critical. Thus, the emphasis on the bodhisattva ideal truly stands out as the core of the teachings in The Lotus Sutra.