Hinayana Buddhism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hinayana Buddhism is an expression that may refer to Theravada Buddhism (mainly because it is the only surviving Buddhist school that does not claim to be part of the Mahayana tradiction) or, more properly, to Hinayana practice and motivation.
There is a degree of controversy on the meaning and use of this expression, but most sources agree that Hinayana is a pejorative term that no school uses to refer to itself. Hinayana is, by definition, something to be avoided, and most certainly not a word that Theravadins use to refer to themselves.
Context usually clarifies which meaning this expression is supposed to have. For instance, census figures about Hinayana Buddhists are almost guaranteed to actually count Theravadins.
'Hinayana' can be translated into "lesser vehicle"- this refers to the purpose of the Hinayana practicer to attain a saintly life rather than full buddhahood, as is the goal in other forms of Budhsim such as Mahayana ("greater vehicle").
