Difference between Mahayana and Hinayana

After Gautama Buddha’s demise around 400 BC, Buddhism split into two significant sects: Mahayana and Hinayana. While both paths share the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, their philosophical and practical approaches have evolved distinctly, reflecting the religion's adaptability to different cultural and historical contexts.

Mahayana Buddhism acknowledged Buddha’s divinity and embraced the practice of idol worship. While Hinayana emphasised achieving personal salvation through self-discipline and meditation.

Origins and Historical Development

The terms Hinayana and Mahayana, signifying the lesser and greater vehicles respectively, first emerged in the Prajnaparamita Sutras around the 2nd century. These two major branches of Buddhism represent distinct characteristics and historical developments.

• Oral tradition: Initially, all Buddha’s teachings were transmitted orally for about 250 years.
• Written record: Around 250 BCE, King Ashoka had the teachings recorded in Pali, a simpler form of Sanskrit. Simultaneously, the writings were translated into Sanskrit for use in North India.
• Migration to South: As the Pali scriptures moved southward, they emphasized maintaining the purity and precision of the teachings.
• Sanskrit rejection: Ashoka’s scholars rejected Sanskrit texts due to their inclusion of mystical Hindu concepts.
  • However, Sanskrit books remained popular in the north and laid the groundwork for the Mahayana tradition.
• Cosmic beliefs: Mahayana Buddhism became linked with concepts of cosmic energy and a vast universe.
• Disagreement on lay participation:
  • The debate intensified over whether laypeople should follow the Buddha Way.
  • The Theravada tradition abandoned this idea, while the Mahayana emphasized lay participation.

Key Difference Between Mahayana and Hinayana

The division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana branches occurred during the Fourth Buddhist Council in the 1st century CE, under the patronage of the Kushan emperor Kanishka. This council convened at Kundalvana in Kashmir to resolve disputes among different sects.

• Mahayana (meaning “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit):
  • It believed in the divinity of the Buddha.
  • Encouraged idol worship within Buddhism.
  • Followers of the Mahayana sect can be found in China, (South) Korea, Japan, and Tibet.
  • Scriptures were written in Sanskrit.
  • Thinkers: Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga and Vasubandhu 
  • Sub-schools: Madhyamika, Yogachara school
• Hinayana (meaning “Small Vehicle” in Sanskrit):
  • It did not believe in the divinity of the Buddha, rather it emphasised individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
  • Followed by Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
  • Scriptures were written in Pali.
• Both the Hinayana and Mahayana schools outline paths for shravakas (listeners to Buddha's teachings) and pratyekabuddhas (self-realisers) to reach the purified state of an arhat (liberated being), and for bodhisattvas to attain Buddhahood.
• Both branches aim to achieve enlightenment and inner peace through different interpretations and practices.

Philosophical Differences

Practices and Rituals

Difference between Mahayana and Hinayana UPSC PYQs

Question 1: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2016)

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 

Question 2: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2020)

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Question 3: Consider the following: (UPSC Prelims 2019)

1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/ are the features/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Difference between Mahayana and Hinayana FAQs

Q1. What is the primary difference between Mahayana and Hinayana? 

Ans. The primary difference lies in their fundamental philosophical approach and goals. Hinayana, also known as Theravada Buddhism, focuses on individual enlightenment and the attainment of Nirvana, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, who postpones personal Nirvana to help others attain enlightenment.

Q2. What does the term "Hinayana" mean? 

Ans. The term "Hinayana" means "Smaller Vehicle" or "Lesser Vehicle" in Sanskrit. Mahayana Buddhists coined this term to refer to the more conservative and traditional form of Buddhism practised by the Theravada school.

Q3. How do Mahayana and Hinayana differ in their interpretation of the Buddha's teachings? 

Ans. Hinayana Buddhism is generally considered to adhere more closely to the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha, as preserved in the Pali Canon. Mahayana Buddhism incorporates additional teachings and scriptures, such as the Mahayana Sutras, which developed later and introduced new concepts and practices.