Buddhism : Hinayana and Mahayana

Buddhism : Hinayana and Mahayana  

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This study material is very much helpful for those who are interested in Buddhism and Ancient Indian History

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Hinayana held firm to the letter of Buddha's teachings, Mahayana to the spirit.

Hinayana developed with the Sangam as the centre, Mahayana with the individual.

Hinayanas scriptures are written mainly in Pali and are found on the Tripitika, Mahayana scriptures written in Sanskrit are Sutras.

Hinayana believes in salvation by works that each man must work out his own salvation Mahayana in salvation by faith.

Hinayana developed around the acts of Buddha, Mahayana around the symbolism of his life and personality.

Hinayana stressed righteous action and the law of Karma Mahayana held that over and above the law of Karma was the law of Karuna, or compassion.

The Hinayana ideal is arhat, one who strives for his own redemption, Mahayana upholds the ideal of the Bodhisattava or the saviour , who is concerned with the salvation of the others.

Hinayana regards Buddha as a man, albeit of extraordinary intuition or profound knowledge.

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