Hinayana Buddhism

What is Hinayana Buddhism?

Historically this sect of Buddhism has been linked with a disrespectful term kept for early Buddhism and was originated as well as used by Mahayana practitioners. Theravada seems to be the term used by Hinayana adherents for identifying with the doctrine. This is regarded as the teaching of Elders as it seems to be mostly practised within nations in southern Asia as well as referred to as Southern Buddhism. The Hinayana, as represented by its followers, this a sect of Buddhism that reflects the authentic, genuine doctrine originally presented by the Buddha. The scriptures that are considered to have been delivered by the Buddha personally constitute the foundation of all of its beliefs.

This Early Buddhist school examines human nature, the meaning of life, as well as the development of personality, along with strategies for relieving pain. The primary goal is to be free of hardships as well as to end the cycle of birth and rebirth and to achieve enlightenment. It can only be gained from one’s personal actions by renouncing the urge of worldly pleasures. So in order to do so, every Hinayana follower would have to become homeless, as well as live a monastic lifestyle if needed.

Brief on Hinayana Buddhism

Due to the historic unacceptance and rivalry between both the bodhisattva as well as conventional philosophies, it seems most likely that the name Hinayana preceded the term Mahayana but was only introduced later. The phrase Bodhisattva Yana, meaning bodhisattva vehicle, gave rise to various other phrases like the Great Vehicle, which was given as the reference name for Mahayana. Later, while perspectives towards bodhisattva ideas became more severe, the title Hinayana was coined as a contrast to the already present term Mahayana.

The name Mahayana seems to be frequently used as an honorific as well as a synonym for Bodhisattva Yana in early Mahayana literature, whereas the term Hinayana seems to be extremely rare in the early texts and also seems to be never encountered at all within the earliest translations of the scriptures. As a result, the commonly seen resemblance connecting Mahayana as well as Hinayana might well be misleading, as the titles did not really originate within the same timeline or era.

Scriptures are directed at accomplishing the artistic mind. The Buddhist Community had multiple rifts after Buddha’s demise, eventually dividing the primary school into eighteen or twenty factions. These monks primarily focused on doctrinal study throughout their spreading of the culture in order to preserve the Buddha’s great words as they interpreted them. As a result, Abhidharma writings, including doctrinal treatises that seem to contain contents of the Buddha’s original teachings, were written and later propagated. However, as days progressed forward, they became more isolated, focusing more on abstinence as well as theological research. 

• Notes – Hinayana Buddhists consider Gautama Buddha as a humanlike entity who attained Nirvana.
• This term refers to a vehicle that seems to be smaller in size.
• Hinayana Buddhism spread around the age of 250 BC.
• Devotees and the followers of Buddha’s teachings and practices make up the school for Hinayana.
• This seems to be more conventional in nature when addressed within schools that do not accept any Buddha statues or pictures being worshipped.
• These devotees and their belief in personal salvation seem to be an attempt to obtain this through self-control and through meditation.

In short, the teachings of the Hinayana section seem to be related more to self-serving practices. It seems to be a guidance for the lone practitioner’s understanding at an inner level. The Hinayana teachings, based on research, seem to comprise a variety of principles, interpretations, scriptures, as well as multiple branches. Hinayana seems to be also called as the vehicle for individuals seeking wisdom by certain followers. Buddha’s pupils were expected to practise the principles of self-enlightenment. These followers seem to be simply interested in the act of personal independence that helps increase self excellence.

Conclusion

The article explains in brief about Hinayana Buddhism and its primary goals, it further talks about how Hinayana Buddhism works and mentions some of its key concepts. Hinayana Buddhism seems to be a sect of Buddhism that is not widely respected. It seems to have various differences compared to other sects that are mentioned in the above article in detail. The article also mentions a few terms related to Hinayana Buddhism.

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