Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhism is the oldest and most intensive spiritual tradition in the world. Buddhism has a history of  2,500 years and developed into different schools with ideas and practices. Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism are the most significant branches of Buddhism. Both of these paths are incorporated in the teaching of Buddha, which equips different approaches to seeking enlightenment. 

Hinayana, often called the “Lesser Vehicle”, focuses on personal liberation through Buddha’s teachings and strict compliance with the Mathvasi discipline. On the other hand, Mahayana, or “Greater Vehicles,” expands the extent of Buddhist practice to include compassion for all beings.

This blog deals with the biggest differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. Come along as we explore and reveal the differences.

Mahayana 

Mahayana is translated from Sanskrit means “Greater vehicle,”.  It contains a wide range of Buddhist teachings and practices. As per the teachings of  Mahayana, there is no real self, so the awakening of one being is the awakening of all beings.

Hinayana

Hinayana on the other hand in Sanskrit means “Lesser Vehicle”. This part of Buddhism did not accept the divinity of Buddha. It focuses on personal salvation through self-discipline and meditation. 

Difference Between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism

We saw Mahayana and Hinayana briefly. Now we are going to explore the major difference between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism. 

According to Mahayana Buddhism, they consider Gautama Buddha to be a divine being who will help his followers to attain the stage of nirvana. It became popular in 500 BC. 

Hinayana Buddhism on the other hand considers Gautama Buddha as just an ordinary human being who attained Nirvana and flourished in 250 BC. 

We can see the followers of Mahayana Buddhism in China, (South) Korea, Japan and Tibet. Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos are where Hinayana Buddhism followers can be found. 

There are scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism and it was written in Sanskrit language. While the scriptures of Hinayana Buddhism were written in the Pali language. 

There  are three bodies of Buddha accepted in Mahayana Buddhism which includes Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Dharmakaya. However the followers of Hinayana does not believe in the three bodies of Buddha. They believe in the concept that an individual must find their own way to salvation. 

Main Difference between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism For Easy Learning

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The philosophical differences between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism. 

Now let’s look at the major philosophical differences between Mahayana and Himayana Buddhism. According to Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is an enlightened person who possesses the capacity for full enlightenment but voluntarily opts to stay within the cycle of rebirth. Their major aim is to guide and help others in achieving liberation. 

However, Hinayana Buddhism does not support the philosophy of the Bodhisattva ideal. It emphasizes only on individual enlightenment.  The ultimate goal is to reach the state of an Arhat, a perfected being who has accomplished Nirvana.

The practices and rituals of Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism 

Monastic and Lay Persons  

Mahayana Buddhism: It respects the monastic tradition, it actively persuades the participation of lay followers in spiritual practices.  

Hinayana Buddhism: Put a strong focus on the monastic tradition. In this monks and nuns playing a central role in protecting and practicing the Buddha’s teachings.  

Meditation and Rituals  

Mahayana Buddhism: Practices forms of meditation such as mindfulness (Satipatthana) and concentration (Samatha). Along with that some additional practices like visualization meditations (Sadhana), recitation of mantras and sutras, and intricate rituals.  

Hinayana Buddhism: Focuses essentially on traditional meditation practices. Only less focus on the additional rituals and visualizations found in Mahayana.  

Veneration of Bodhisattvas  

Mahayana Buddhism: Respect the Buddha and places significant importance on venerating various Bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara (compassion) and Manjushri (wisdom). Bodhisattva worships and elaborate rituals are central to the tradition.  

Hinayana Buddhism: While it respect the Buddha, it does not focus on the honour of Bodhisattvas to the same extent as Mahayana.  

Sacred Texts  

Mahayana Buddhism: Recognizes the Pali Canon but also incorporates a wide- range collection of Mahayana Sutras, such as the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, the Lotus Sutra, and the Heart Sutra. These texts search deep into profound philosophical concepts and highlight the Bodhisattva path.  

Hinayana Buddhism: Primarily depends on the Pali Canon (Tipitaka) as its authoritative scripture, which includes the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastics), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and psychological teachings).    

The Mahayana tradition is divided into four practice-oriented schools Zen, Pure Land, Vajrayana, and Vinaya and four ideology-based schools Yogacara, Tendai, Avatamsaka, and Madhyamika. Some scholars consider Vajrayana to be a separate tradition, representing the third major branch of Buddhism alongside Mahayana and Hinayana.

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Conclusion

Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, though rooted in the same foundational teachings of the Buddha, offer distinct paths to enlightenment. Through this exploration, we’ve discussed the unique philosophies, practices, traditions that define these two profound branches of Buddhism.

Whether one search for individual enlightenment or the path of universal compassion, both Hinayana and Mahayana offer timeless wisdom and guidance for spiritual seekers. Hope this blog gives an enormous idea about both these sects of Buddhism. For more such Buddhism-related topics visit our website Hiddenmantra.