This particular form of Buddhism came to be as a more liberal, accessible form of Buddhism. It made it so followers did not have to be from a particular section of society, and could rather pick up the religion because they shared the same beliefs. Theravada Buddhists believe that the ultimate goal in life is to become a perfected saint/nun and reach Nirvana. Mahayana Buddhists, on the other hand, hope to become enlightened, but also to purposefully delay Nirvana so that they can help others attain it as well.
Mahayana Buddhists believe that abortion is murder and that all violent acts are not to be tolerated and should be punished severely. the view on homosexuality often varies by region, and is not condemned. Rather it is up to the single person to decide their views on it. Divorce is accepted and although women and men generally fell into "traditional roles," women work more due to the fact that today's society often demands it.
One important aspect of Mahayana Buddhism is the fact that there is no single ruler God, as there is in many religions. They believe that the origin of earth and life was not from God. Usually modern science theories are not considered to be contradictory of Mahayana. There are three forms of Buddha. There is "infinite bliss" called Nirvana, and anyone is eligible to reach "Buddhahood." It is believed that there are countless Buddhas on earth.
After death, there are a few possibilities. It is believed that if one has negative karma (has done wrong in their life) then they will continue living lives in a continual cycle of rebirth until their intentions become involuntarily wholesome. Once this has occurred, ultimate bliss (Nirvana) has been reached. This is a deathless state where one becomes Buddha. Modern Western Buddhists often do not believe in this literal rebirth, but rather a spiritual rebirth. Mayahana Buddhists believe that life is the ultimate suffering, and also that people have the free will to commit wrongdoings such as greed, hatred, violence and cravings or attachments to material possessions.
2) I feel that I possess some of the views described in this above overview. One of the facets of Mayahana Buddhism that I find to be important is the fact that it is made accessible to anyone who wants to join. I dislike religions that discriminate people due to what social class they come from and what religion they may have belonged to previously.
However, some of my contemporary views do not match that of Mahayana. For example, I am pro-choice and do not believe a religion should tell women what choices to make. I also believe that homosexuality should not be discriminated against whatsoever. Although this is a person to person basis, I believe that homosexuality should be completely accepted. However, this also deals with societal influences and not just religion, and judging that certain parts accept homosexuality, it seems as though many are indifferent.
As for Deities, I do not believe in one higher power. But I do believe in the idea of reincarnation, but not necessarily in the form that Mahayana Buddhists believe in. I don't believe that Nirvana will be reached, but rather that people will continue in a cycle of rebirths. The holiness of their next life will depend on how they lived their current life.
Overall, I believe I possess some of the views described in Mayahana Buddhism. However, I do not agree with all aspects of this religion and have my own views for some subjects. I do not feel that this religion fits me entirely, but I think this exercise has put me more in touch with what I believe. I think you could say the jury's still out on what religion I fit into. I possess views from a couple different spiritual beliefs, and therefore continue to uphold my view that spirituality and religion can be pursued without an organized congregation and holy text. I knew about Buddhism before taking this survey, however I did not know that it is split into two forms. I also did not know much about their beliefs and how they feel about key parts of our lives. I am very happy that I was able to take this survey and expand my knowledge on different religions from different parts of the world.
Sweet dreams!
