The Mahayana sutras are traditionally considered by Mahayanists to be the word of the Buddha .
The Mahayana sutras are traditionally transmitted either in secret , via lineages of supernatural beings ( such as the nagas ) , or revealed directly from other Buddhas or bodhisattvas .
The Mahayana sutras are traditionally considered by Mahayanists to be the word of the Buddha , but transmitted either in secret , via lineages of supernatural beings ( such as the nagas ) , or revealed directly from other Buddhas or bodhisattvas .