Question

Mention the significance of Hinayana and Mahayana.

Answer 1

1. A reformation took place in the way of following Buddhism in the 2nd century BC brought out by a Buddhist monk Nagarjuna during the reign of Kanishka.
2. Buddhism was split into two as Hinayana and Mahayana.
3. The Hinayana (lesser vehicle) was the original creed preached by Buddha.
4. Followers of this form regarded Buddha as their Guru and did not worship him as God. They denied idol worship and continued with people’s language Pali.
5. In Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Buddha was worshipped as God and Bodisatuva as his previous avatar.
6. The followers made images and statues of Buddha and Bodisathuva and offered prayers, recited hymns (mantras) in their praise.
7. Later they wrote their religion books in Sanskrit. This form of Buddhism was patronized by Kanishka.