Hinayana

[ hee-nuh-yah-nuh ]

noun

1. earlier of the two great schools of Buddhism, still prevalent in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Cambodia, emphasizing personal salvation through one's own efforts.

Hinayana

/ ˌhiːnəˈjɑːnə /

noun

1. 1. any of various early forms of Buddhism
   2. ( as modifier )

      Hinayana Buddhism

Derived Forms

• ˌHinaˈyanist, noun
• ˌHinayaˈnistic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hinayana¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from Sanskrit, equivalent to hīna “lesser, inferior” + yāna “vehicle”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hinayana¹

from Sanskrit hīnayāna, from hīna lesser + yāna vehicle

Example Sentences

And if we look at the abuses of both systems the fossilized monk of the Hinayana will compare favourably with the tantric adept.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mahayana grows out of the Hinayana and in many respects the Hinayana passes into it and is preserved unchanged.

From Project Gutenberg

The first two which were the older seem to have belonged to the Hinayana and the other two even more definitely to the Mahayana.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Panjab both schools were prevalent but the Hinayana evidently strong.

From Project Gutenberg

If we wish to gain the lesser fruition (of the Hinayana) we may pursue it through the eight grades of sanctification.

From Project Gutenberg