Mahayana and Hinayana

Mahayana Buddhism saw Gautama Buddha as a heavenly entity who led his disciples to nirvana. Hinayana Buddhists, on the other hand, see Gautama Buddha as an average human being who gained Nirvana. 

Mahayana 

Mahayana is one of Buddhism’s two major traditions, the other being Theravada. Maha means “great” in Sanskrit, while yana means “vehicle”. Because it is the dominant Buddhist tradition practised in northern India, Mahayana is also known as Northern Buddhism. It is also the most extensive component of Buddhism and covers the theory of yoga practice. 

Mahayana Buddhists believe in a plethora of heavens, hells, and representations of nirvana and have high regard for Bodhisattvas, “Buddhist “saints” on the threshold of nirvana who fell just short of obtaining it so that, like Buddha, they may teach their technique to others.

Mahayana Buddhists claim that enlightenment is available to anyone who has belief and sees their religion as a means of life that anybody may embrace. They also like philosophical debate and intellectual acrobatics, and they seek the assistance of feminine deities and magical powers, as well as worshipping gods or goddesses, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas.

The Mahayana school of thought is divided into four practice-focused schools – Zen, Pure Land, Vajrayana, and Vinaya. These are four ideology schools – Yogacara, Tendai, Avamtasaka, and Madhyamika. According to some researchers, Vajrayana is a distinct tradition and the third major branch of Buddhism.

Hinayana

Hinayana Buddhism, which follows Buddha’s core teachings or the Doctrine of the Elders, condemns idol worship and seeks individual salvation via consciousness and meditation.

Hinayana Buddhists regard Gautama Buddha as a regular human being who gained Nirvana. It refers to the lesser vehicle. Hinayana Buddhism began to prosper in 250 BC. The school is made up of followers of the Buddha’s original teachings. It is a more conventional school of thought that rejects the worship of Buddha’s idols or images. They believe in individual salvation and strive for it via self-discipline and meditation. Hinayana’s ultimate objective is Nirvana. 

Inestimable joy in Hinayana Buddhism refers to relishing in the happiness of others without being jealous or expecting anything coming back. Hinayana Buddhists used the Pali language to connect with the general people. Emperor Ashoka supported the Hinayana religion.

The ten-far-influencing mentality in Hinayana is as follows: 

• Charity

• Self-Discipline

• Patience

• Compassion

• Maintaining one’s word

• Knowledge

• Enlightenment

• Resolution

• Love

• Equanimity

Difference between Mahayana and Hinayana

Mahayana

• The Mahayana religion means “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit, and believes in the Buddha’s divinity. In Buddhism, the sect promoted idol worship.

• Mahayana Buddhism regards Gautama Buddha as a celestial entity who would assist his disciples in attaining nirvana.

• Mahayana Buddhism is practised in China, South Korea, Japan, and most of Tibet.

•  Sanskrit was the language to write Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. Mahayana Buddhism recognises the Buddha’s three bodies. These are their names –  Nirmanakaya,  Sambhogakaya , Dharmakaya 

• In Mahayana, the ten-far-influencing approach is as follows:

• Charity

• Self-Discipline

• Compassion

• Determination

• Stability of Mind

• Wisdom

• Aspirational Prayer

• Empowering

• Deep Sensitivity

• Immeasurable bliss in Mahayana Buddhism is the aspiration for others to share the delight of continuous enlightenment. 

• Around 500 BC, Mahayana Buddhism flourished. 

Hinayana

• The Hinayana which means “Small Vehicle” in Sanskrit, didn’t really accept the Buddha’s divinity. It promoted personal salvation via self-discipline and mediation.

• Hinayana Buddhists regard Gautama Buddha as a common man who gained Nirvana.

• In Sri Lanka, regions of Myanmar, parts of Thailand, most of Cambodia, and areas in Laos, Hinayana Buddhism is practised.

• Pali was the language in which Buddhism’s Hinayana  Scriptures were written.

• Hinayana does not accept the Buddha’s three bodies, believing that each individual must discover their own road to liberation.

• The ten-far-influencing mentality in Hinayana is as follows: 

• Charity

• Self-Discipline

• Endurance

• Compassion

• Maintaining one’s word

• Knowledge

• Enlightenment

• Determination

• Love

• Calmness

• In Hinayana Buddhism, immeasurable pleasure refers to delighting in the happiness of another without jealousy or expectation of anything coming back.

• Around 250 BC, Hinayana Buddhism began to grow. 

Conclusion 

We discussed Mahayana, Hinayana, and the Difference Between Mahayana And Hinayana and other related topics through the study material notes on the difference Between Mahayana And Hinayana. The Mahayana part of Buddhism means “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit, accepted in the Buddha’s divinity. In Buddhism, the sect promoted idol worship. The Hinayana part of Buddhism means “Lesser Vehicle” in Sanskrit, which did not accept the Buddha’s divinity. It emphasized personal salvation via self-discipline and mediation.