Since the conception of Buddhism in 5th c. B.C.E, the teachings
             and ideas presented by its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, have grown
             in area as well as interpretation. Buddhism has spread far beyond
             its country of origin, India, and although basic beliefs and doctrines
             are common to Buddhism as a whole, the original philosophy of the
             Buddha has expanded to include some varying, and at times opposing,
             thoughts on the Buddha's teachings. Today, three main sects of
             Buddhism survive: the Theravada tradition (Lesser Vehicle), the
             Mahayana tradition (Greater Vehicle), and the Tibetan tradition
             (Northern). The main focus of this paper regards the Mahayana's
             emphasis on compassion and wisdom in reference to the Bodhisattva
             path, and responds to criticism that compassion for all sentient
             beings is an attachment that proves a bodhisattva unenlightened.
             While all forms of Buddhism strive in one way or another to
             end the painful cycle of life and rebirth (samsara) and reach nirvana,
             the motivation and path chosen by the Mahayana distinguishes this
             school of thought from the rest. For the Mahayana, compassion is the
             driving force of the practitioner. While other Buddhists follow the
             path of the disciple (sravaka) to Arhatship or choose to find the path
             on their own (pratyeka), the Mahayana regards the path of the
             Bodhisattva, one who chooses to remain in samsara until all sentient
             beings have attained his wisdom, as the highest form of Buddha hood. Any other path is
             seen as selfish, striving only for a personal nirvana.
             This emphasis on compassion invites criticism that a Bodhisattva is not truly free
             of attachment. According to Buddhist doctrine, the second Noble Truth states a need to
             relinquish all attachment in order to continue on the path toward nirvana. If we
             take this as truth, how can a Bodhisattva, an enlightened being, have such an attachment
             The first ste...