Hīnayāna is a Sanskrit term that was at one time applied collectively to the Śrāvakayāna and Pratyekabuddhayāna paths of Buddhism. This term appeared around the first or second century. The Hīnayāna (or Theravada) is considered as the preliminary or small (hina) vehicle (yana) of the Buddha's teachings.

Hīnayāna, the more orthodox, conservative schools of Buddhism; the name Hīnayāna was applied to these schools by the followers of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition in ancient India.

Understanding Hinayana and Mahayana, the major Buddhist schools of thought, helps us differentiate between the primary branches of Buddhism.

Hinayana Buddhist consider Gautama Buddha as an ordinary human being who attained Nirvana. Followers of Mahayana Buddhism can be found in China, (South) Korea, Japan and Tibet. Hinayana Buddhism is followed in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

The terms Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle or Modest Vehicle) and Mahayana (Greater Vehicle or Vast Vehicle) originated in The Prajnaparamita Sutras (The Sutras on Far-Reaching Discriminating Awareness, The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras). They are a rather derogatory pair of words, aggrandizing Mahayana and putting down Hinayana.

Hinayana (Sanskrit: “inferior vehicle”; Chinese: 小乘 Xiǎoshèng; Japanese: Shōjō; Vietnamese: Tiểu thừa) is a term coined by the Mahayana, which appeared publicly around the 1st century CE. There are differing views on the use and meaning of …

Jan 20, 2025 · Hinayana, the "lesser vehicle," is a major Buddhist school emphasizing individual enlightenment. It is grounded in the Pali language, distinguishing its teachings from those of Mahayana, the "greater vehicle."

Sep 30, 2024 · Hinayana, also known as Theravada Buddhism, focuses on individual enlightenment and the attainment of Nirvana, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, who postpones personal Nirvana to help others attain enlightenment.

Nov 23, 2024 · Hinayana Buddhism, or Theravada, represents the original, austere form of Buddhism focusing on individual enlightenment. It contrasts with Mahayana, emphasizing personal effort and adherence to the Pali tradition, notably …

Hinayana (Skt. hīnayāna; T. theg pa dman pa; C. xiaosheng; J. shōjō; K. sosŭng 小乘) is a term used in traditional Mahayana Buddist texts to refer to non-Mahayana Buddhist texts and practitioners.