Hinayana Buddhism (Noun)
Meaning
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Hinayana Buddhism is often seen as a derogatory term used by the Mahayana tradition to describe the conservative and narrow-minded approach of the Theravada school.
- The term Hinayana Buddhism reflects the more traditional and strict adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha, as practiced in Sri Lanka and other parts of southwestern Asia.
- Although Hinayana Buddhism has often been portrayed as inferior to Mahayana, it remains a vital and important part of Buddhist history and tradition.
- Hinayana Buddhism, also known as the Theravada tradition, emphasizes the individual's own efforts to achieve enlightenment through the practice of the Eightfold Path.
- The once prevalent Hinayana Buddhism in India declined over time but managed to survive in Sri Lanka, from where it was disseminated to other parts of the region.