Mahayana vs Hinayana

Mahayana and Hinayana are terms used to refer to two main sects of Buddhism. Also known as Northern Buddhism, Mahayana is usually associated with Sanskrit, the classical language of India, China, and Tibet. Hinayana canons are usually written in Pali, which is used in Laos, Burma, and Myanmar. While both Mayahana and Hinayana are divisions of the same religion, they have slightly different origins and beliefs. In broad terms, the main difference between the two is that “Mahayanism is more liberal and progressive… Hinayanism, on the other hand, is somewhat conservative and may be considered in many points to be a rationalistic ethical system simply (Suzuki, 1907, p2).” This speaks directly to the etymology of the words. Hinayana means smaller or lesser vehicle while Mahayana means great or exalted vehicle.

Hinayana refers to the more original doctrines that date back to the time of the Buddha (Kimura, 1927, p.10). Because of this, its canon can be thought of as closed, meaning its doctrines and beliefs are set in stone and not really open to change or amendments (Cohen, 1995, p.2). It is a polemical term, and a more formal term for Hinayana is ‘Theravada,’ but it is rarely used. In this sect of Buddhism, a disciple of the Buddha that has come to the end of his path is called an Arhat. The only thing bigger and better than an Arhat would be a Buddha. Within Hinayana Buddhism is the belief in the eightfold path, the path to breaking the cycle of samsara. The eight practices are “right views, right aspirations, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right contemplation (Klostermaier, 1999, p.35).”

The word ‘Mahayana’ originally had nothing to do with this doctrine of Buddhism. It “was first used to designate the highest principle, or being, or knowledge, of which the universe with all its sentient and non-sentient ebings is a manifestation, and through which only they can attain final salvation (Suzuki, 1907, p7).” The originators of Mahayanism chose the word specifically for its great meaning; they wanted their doctrine to have a word rooted in venerability. While Hinayanists believe in Arhats, Mahayanists call one whose mind is set on liberation a bodhisattva. The end of the path for a bodhisattva is Buddhahood, also known as perfect, complete enlightenment. The concepts of Hinayana Buddhism refer more to the teachings developed during the Buddha’s lifetime, “while the doctrines expressed by the term Mahayana were formulated by Buddha’s disciples and followers after his death (Kimura, 1927, p.10).” Mahayanists believe in the six perfections. They are: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. These are the ways to best follow the Buddha’s teachings. One of the most important canons in Mahayanism is the Lotus Sutra. At the beginning of the sutra, the Buddha says that he “has taught the dharma using skillful means (upaya) in order that the beings of the world might overcome attachment (Lopez, 13).” The Buddha then says he will explain what he means by this and does so through the use of seven parables.

The most famous parable is the one with the burning house. In order to save all the children inside, a merchant calls out that he has a cart filled with toys. When the kids come running out, all they see is a cart being pulled by oxen. The oxen represent Mahayanism; it is a guiding light for its followers. Since the Mahayana can be seen as a newer strain of Buddhism, its canon is often viewed as open; it allows for revelations in the future (Cohen, 1995, p.2).  

There are a good many values that Mahayanists and Hinayanists share. Firstly, they both believe that the Buddha is their only master and the one person they worship. While they value monotheism, they do not think that the world is created and ruled by a god. One similarity that seems to be extremely significant is that they “admit that in different countries there are differences with regard to the life of Buddhist monks, popular Buddhist beliefs and practices, rites and ceremonies, customs and habits (Klostermaier, 1999, p. 38).  Both Mayahanists and Hinayanists believe that everything comes back to the Buddha, and that followers must not be distracted by external factors.

All in all, Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism began from the same roots. Hinayana stays more consistent with doctrines from the Buddha’s time while Mahayana is slightly more modern and open to interpretation. The Hinayanists believe that the eightfold path is the best way to break the cycle of samsara, while the Mahayanists remain more focused on the six perfections, which are the best ways to show one’s devotion towards the Buddha. While there are many differences between these two sects, they do share some thoughts, including that the Buddha is their only master.  

References:

Cohen, R. (1995). Discontented Categories: Hīnayāna and Mahāyāna in Indian Buddhist History. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 63(1), 1-25.

Kimura, R. (1927). A historical study of the terms Hinayāna and Mahāyāna and the origin of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Calcutta]: University of Calcutta.

Klostermaier, K. (1999). Buddhism : A short introduction. Oxford: Oneworld.

Lopez, Donald. “Introduction” and “Plot Summary” of the Lotus Sūtra (From class reading list)

Suzuki, D. (1907). Outlines of Mahaŷâna Buddhism. London: Luzac and Company,  to the University of Chicago.

Further Readings:

Reeves, Gene. Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic. This new translation of the Lotus Sutra requires no prior knowledge of Buddhism and aims to bring light to some of the Sutra’s main messages.

Shizuka, Sasaki. “A Study on the Origin of Mahāyāna Buddhism.” The Eastern Buddhist. This journal article delves deeper into the origins of Mahayana Buddhism.

Sharma, Arvind. “A Note on the Use of the Word Hīnayāna in the Teaching of Buddhism.” This journal article discusses the terminology of Hinayana, Theravada, and Mahayana.

External Links:

For a video about the differences between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism presented by Master Sheng Yen, click here. This short video follows the development of the two main sects of Buddhism in a historical and geographical fashion.

For a page displaying Mahayana art, click here. In this database, there are plenty of visual representations of important Mahayana figures.

To see a virtual copy of the Lotus Sutra, click here. On this website, a scanned copy of the Lotus Sutra can be viewed along with some original artwork depicting the events of the sutra.