Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical term for a major school of Buddhism: "Hinayana Buddhism" is a term used to refer to the early, conservative schools of Buddhism that emphasize individual liberation. The term itself is considered polemical and is not used by these schools themselves, who prefer terms like "Theravada." * Core Meaning: It primarily denotes the doctrinal and monastic traditions that focus on the path of the Arhat (a "worthy one" who achieves Nirvana), in contrast to the later Mahayana ideal of the Bodhisattva. * Historical Context: The term is used historically to describe the early Buddhist traditions that were prevalent in India and later spread to Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia.

Usage Notes

• The term "Hinayana" is a Sanskrit word meaning "Lesser Vehicle" or "Inferior Vehicle." It originated within the Mahayana ("Great Vehicle") tradition as a descriptive, and often derogatory, label for the earlier Buddhist schools.
• Important: In modern academic and inter-Buddhist discourse, the term is widely recognized as pejorative and offensive. Its use is generally avoided in respectful contexts.
• The tradition historically labeled "Hinayana" is represented today primarily by the Theravada school, which is the dominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Practitioners of this tradition do not identify with the term "Hinayana."

Examples of Usage

• (Historical/Academic Context):
• (Explaining the Term):

Advanced Usage

• Polemical Use: The term is inherently polemical, contrasting a path perceived as limited (aimed only at personal salvation) with the Mahayana path perceived as greater and more compassionate (aimed at the salvation of all beings).
  • Example: In some Mahayana sutras, the Hinayana path is criticized for being overly focused on monastic discipline and lacking in compassion for all sentient beings.

Variants and Related Words

• Theravada (n): The contemporary school of Buddhism that is the direct descendant of the early Buddhist traditions. This is the preferred and non-pejorative term. Example:
• Mahayana (n): The later school of Buddhism that developed the "Bodhisattva" ideal and which coined the term "Hinayana." Example:
• Shravakayana (n): A more neutral term sometimes used in place of "Hinayana," meaning "Vehicle of the Hearers" or disciples.

Synonyms

• Early Buddhism (Neutral, academic)
• Theravada Buddhism (Contemporary, specific)
• Southern Buddhism (Geographic descriptor)

Important Note on Current Usage

• Due to its derogatory connotations, the term Hinayana Buddhism should be used with extreme caution, typically only in historical or scholarly discussions where the term itself is the subject of analysis. In most contexts, Theravada is the accurate and respectful term.

Noun

1. an offensive name for the early conservative Theravada Buddhism; it died out in India but survived in Sri Lanka and was taken from there to other regions of southwestern Asia