Hinayana and Mahayana of Buddhism

Following the death of Gautama Buddha around 400 BC, Buddhism came to be divided into two important branches: Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is regarded as the “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit, believed in the aspect of the divinity of Buddha and the sect came to appreciate the idol worship of Buddhism. On the other hand, the Hinayana sect meant “small vehicle” and did not believe in the divinity of Buddha. It came to stress individual salvation with the help of self-discipline as well as meditation.

Hinayana and Mahayana of Buddhism

Background

The division took place due to the Buddha’s teachings being translated into two languages. All teachings were oral for around 250 years after the Buddha. Around 250 BCE, King Ashoka had the Buddha’s teachings written down in Pali, a simpler form of Sanskrit.

The writings were also translated into Sanskrit for usage in North India at the same time. As the Pali scriptures migrated south, they became more concerned with maintaining the purity and precision of the teachings. Ashoka’s academics rejected the Sanskrit books because they contained a lot of mystical Hindu notions. They were, nevertheless, quite popular in the north, and they were the foundation of the Mahayana tradition. As a result, Buddhism’s beliefs became associated with ideas of cosmic energy and enormous cosmos. The disagreement intensified over whether or not laypeople should be encouraged to adhere to the Buddha Way. The Theravada tradition abandoned the notion of lay people following the Way, which was supported by the Buddha. Lay participation in the Buddha Way was emphasized by the Mahayana.

Difference Between Mahayana and Hinayana

Mahayana tradition’s central tenet is that all living beings are capable of separating themselves from life’s suffering. According to Mahayana theory, bodhisattvas with powers normally reserved for immortal creatures devote themselves to the perfections, or ideals, of Mahayana Buddhism, whereas Hinayana beliefs represent the early Buddhist schools. Theravada, the dominant Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, has also been called the Hinayana tradition. According to Hinayana beliefs, Buddha is the perfect lovely being who has supernatural qualities that can be obtained by practicing Buddhism meditation and Buddha’s presence in life is a unique blessing for humanity.

Mahayana Tradition	Hinayana Tradition
Mahayana adheres to the Buddha’s teachings in spirit.	Efforts to reach self-actualization and nirvana were emphasized more in early Buddhist teachings.
The Mahayana scriptures are written in Sanskrit called Sutras.	Hinayana or Theravada Buddhist doctrine believes in Buddha’s teachings or the ancient respected methods of Theravada and its scriptures are written in Pali.
Mahayana believed in the idol worship of Buddha.	They do not believe in idolatry.
It believes in faith-based salvation.	Hinayana teaches that the path to personal salvation is through self-discipline and meditation.
The Mahayana philosophy is based on the symbolism of Buddha’s life and personality.	Hinayana considers the Buddha an extraordinarily knowledgeable person but does not worship him as he is also a person like others.
The Mahayana teachings teach that the law of karuna/compassion takes precedence over the rule of karma.	The teachings o f Hinayana believe in salvation through the work that each person should work for their salvation.
This sect worships Idols because they believe in Buddha’s divine characteristics.	Hinayana’s ideal is an Arhat seeking his salvation.

Conclusion

During Kanishka’s reign, a Buddhist disagreement erupted. As a result of these disagreements, Buddhism was split. The fourth Buddhist council was held in Kashmir’s Kundalwan to settle sectarian disputes in 72 AD. Hence, after this Buddhism was split into two major sects Hinayana and Mahayana, which later followed two different ideologies and paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What are the Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism?

Answer-

In Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha was considered to be a divine being who guided his followers for the attainment of salvation. Hinayana Buddhism on the other hand, considered Buddha as an ordinary human who attained salvation.

Q 2. In what language were Mahayana and Hinayana scriptures written?

Answer-

Mahayana was written in Sanskrit while Hinayana was written in Pali.

Q 3. Who divided Mahayana and Hinayana?

Answer-

Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana during the reign of Kanishka.