Question: “I’m learning about buddhism but I keep getting confused/mixed with Theravada and Mahayana buddhism!! My interesent is towards mahayana buddhism. Does the 3 types of buddhahood (like: samyaksambuddha) also apply in mahayana buddhism? Im new to this.”
I’m not quite sure what you mean by 3 types of Buddhahood. Do you mean the Three Vehicles (Sravakas, Pratyeka-Buddhas and Bodhisattvas)?
In Theravada Buddhism, Buddha is reserved only for our historical Buddha, Sakyamuni. An Arhat is the highest achievement one can attain; Nirvana. In Mahayana Buddhism, the highest achievement is Buddhahood, it surpasses Arhat and the Three Vehicles, become the One Vehicle.
The Buddha taught the Three Vehicles according to people’s capabilities of understanding and practice. If a person or group of people were greatly suffering and had many worldly desires and attachments, he would teach them the way of Nirvana (the First Vehicle). And as their capacities and understanding grew, the higher the teaching the Buddha taught.
But in the end, the Buddha taught the One Vehicle, Buddhahood (The Lotus Sutra). That everyone should achieve and aim for becoming a Buddha in order to help rescue and liberate all sentient beings.
Smile and be well!