Religion and Philosopjhy

Ancient and Medival History

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The significant difference between Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism lay in that

Mahayana allowed for the transference of merit while in Hinayana, a person would only help another by example and advice

Mahayana believed in the Bodhisattvas while Hinayana did not

Hinayana promoted the ideas of a suffering savior

Mahayana propounded the idea of the ‘Arhant’, the worthy’

A Yana is a vehicle. A Hinayana is a lesser vehicle while a Mahayana is a Great vehicle.
Hinayana : It believes in the original teaching of Buddha or Doctrine of Elders. Does not believe in Idol worship and tries to attain individual salvation through self discipline and meditation. Ultimate aim of Hinayana is thus nirvana. Stharvivada or Thervada is a Hinayana sect. Asoka Patronized Hinayana. Pali, the language of masses was used by the Hinayana scholars.
Mahayana Mahayana or “great vehicle” believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Idol worship of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature. It spread from India to various countries including China and South East Asian nations. Zen, Pure Land, Tiantai, and Nichiren, Shingon and Tibetan Buddhism are traditions of Mahayana. Mahayana believed in universal liberation from suffering for all beings (hence the “Great Vehicle”). Ultimate aim of Mahayana is “spiritual upliftment”. It allows salvation to be alternatively obtained through the grace of the Amitabha Buddha by having faith and devoting oneself to mindfulness of the Buddha. It believes in Mantras. Language of Mahayana was predominantly Sanskrit.
Similarity between Hinayana versus Mahayana :Both adopt one and the same Vinaya, and they have in common the prohibitions of the five offenses, and also the practice of the Four Noble Truths.