What is the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism?

In Buddhism, there is an important part of its teachings that emphasizes greatly on how people can be transformed from being in a state characterized by sufferings into a more enlightened state via a vehicle. The two branches of Buddhism i.e., Mahayana and Theravada, represent this vehicle. Mahayana Buddhism preaches that every single soul has the capacity to become an enlightened being only if they can be consistent towards living by the six rules of perfections in Mahayana Buddhism.

Attaining perfection via this vehicle has been described to be a very difficult task, but it is a much faster route to become an enlightened being. On the other hand, Hinayana is usually classified to be under Theravada, but there are so many differences between the two. It has been described to be a deficient and lesser vehicle compared to Mahayana. Its teachings allow people to reach perfection at their own pace.

Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism? Some Buddhists regard Buddhism as the Bodhisattva is considered to be the Bodhisattva vehicle. Its central teachings highlight that everybody can become Buddha or be in the state of Buddhahood. They need to put into practice the six paramitas or perfections continuously. It has been stressed that within the Mahayana teaching that a person is most likely unable to accomplish such a state while they are still alive. Mahayana is further subdivided into various teachings.

Hinayana teachings are more self- motivated. It is practiced for the enlightenment of the sole practitioner. The teachings of Hinayana include an abundance of rules, observations, sutras, and the three branches of Tripitaka, which is seen as the “vehicle for people of learning.” Under this practice, Buddha’s followers are asked to both listen and practice his teachings.