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Hinayana and Mahayana – Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Difference between Hinayana and Mahayana: The most important difference between Hinayana and Mahayana is that the former believes in the divinity of Gautam Buddha and his three primary bodies, whereas the latter did not believe in the divinity of Gautam Buddha and the three primary bodies, they believed each one can find their way to salvation. Upon the demise of Gautama Buddha, a famous religious leader, in 400 BC (Before Christ), the Buddhist community split into two sects: Hinayana and Mahayana.

Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana PDF

We have facilitated the complete difference between Hinayana and Mahayana to aid the candidates in getting an in-depth cognizance of the meaning, definition and concept. The scriptures pertaining to the Mahayana sect have been penned in the Sanskrit language, and the scriptures have been written in the Pali language for the Hinayana sect.

Difference Between Hinayana And Mahayana

Another noteworthy difference between Mahayana and Hinayana based on their origin is that while Mahayana Buddhism started to thrive around 500 BC, Hinayana Buddhism began to thrive around 250 BC. The other key differences mentioned in this page will enlighten the candidates to gain knowledge of the whole concept.

Another difference between Hinayana and Mahayana based on their supporters is that supporters of Mahayana Buddhism can be found in (South) Korea, China, Japan, and Tibet, whereas Hinayana Buddhism is practiced in Myanmar Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

Mahayana vs Hinayana

Hinayana and Mahayana

Mahayana

Hinayana

In accordance with the beliefs of Mahayana Buddhism, Gautam Buddha deems to be the holy being who will aid his disciples to lead toward and attain nirvana.

Based on beliefs of Hinayana Buddhism, Gautam Buddha is regarded as a normal human being who gained Nirvana.

Mahayana Buddhism supporters are usually found in China, Japan, [South] Korea, and Tibet.

The individuals who practice Hinayana Buddhism are usually found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

Mahayana Buddhism scriptures have been composed in Sanskrit.

Hinayana Buddhism scriptures have been penned in the Pali language.

Mahayana Buddhism acknowledges three primary bodies. The primary bodies have been mentioned here-

Nirmanakaya

Sambhogakaya

Dharmakaya

The concept of primary bodies of Buddha is not followed in Hinayana Buddhism; they believe that the person must seek their path to salvation.

The ten prevalent perspectives in Mahayana are as follows:

Generosity

Self-Discipline

Patience

Perseverance

Mental Stability

Wisdom

Skills in Means

Aspirational Prayers

Strengthening

Deep Awareness

The ten prevalent perspectives in Hinayana are as follows:

Generosity

Self-Discipline

Patience

Perseverance

Being True to one’s words

Wisdom

Renunciation

Resolution

Love

Equanimity

In Mahayana Buddhism, immense happiness is the desire that others possess the delight of eternal enlightenment.

In Hinayana Buddhism, immense joy implies cherishing the delight of others without any envy and not anticipating anything against it.

Mahayana Buddhism started to thrive around 500 BC.

Hinayana Buddhism initiated to thrive around 250 BC.

Hinayana and Mahayana

Hinayana and Mahayana are two sects of Buddhism. The reign of Kanishka divided Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana. The three prominent classifications of Buddhism are Theravada (also referred to as Hinayana), Vajrayana, and Mahayana.

Comprehend the practices, beliefs, and scriptures linked to the Hinayana and Mahayana of Buddhism below.

What is Hinayana?

The Hinayana sect implies ‘Small Vehicle’ in the Sanskrit language. Hinayana did not believe in the deity of the Gautama Buddha. It acknowledges the original teaching of Buddha or the Principle of elders.

  • Hinayana does not believe in Idol adoration and endeavors to attain personal redemption through self-discipline and introspection.
  • The Hinayana intellectuals used Pali, the language of the groups.
  • Hinayana scriptures are composed in Pali and based on the Tripitaka.
  • Hinayana emphasizes moral activity and the law of karma.
  • Hinayana believes in attaining salvation by deeds that each man should work for his redemption.
  • Hinayana or Theraveda practices are followed in Laos, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian nations.

What is Mahayana?

Mahayana is a Sanskrit phrase that signifies “Great Vehicle”. The Mahayana community believed in the godhead of the Gautama Buddha. The sect promoted idol adoration in Buddhism and Bodhisattvas symbolizing Buddha’s Nature.

  • Mahayana believes in the law of kindness (karuna) over and above the law of karma.
  • Mahayana supports the purposes of Boddhisatva/the redeemer who remained concerned about the redemption of others.
  • Mahayana Buddhism is spread across India, Japan, China, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and Bhutan

Conclusion:

Key Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana

The key Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana is that the Hinayana sect implies ‘Small Vehicle’ in Sanskrit and emphasizes individual redemption through mediation and self-discipline, while the Mahayana sect implies ‘Great Vehicle’ in the Sanskrit language and promotes idol adoration in Buddhism.

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