Significance of Little Vehicle
In Buddhism, Little Vehicle, also known as Hinayana, refers to early Buddhist teachings emphasizing individual enlightenment. In South Asia, Little Vehicle is a term for various schools and sects within Buddhism, including the Sarvastivadas, Sammatiya, and Theravada. It represents teachings focused on personal enlightenment and is studied by numerous priests across different regions, contrasting with the Mahayana tradition.
Synonyms: Compact car, Small car
In Dutch: Klein voertuig; In Finnish: Pikku Ajoneuvo; In Spanish: Pequeño vehículo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Little Vehicle'
In Buddhism, Little Vehicle encompasses multiple interpretations. It describes ancient treatises like Ekottaragama and Samyuktagama. Furthermore, it is synonymous with Hinayana, representing the Buddha's initial teachings. It also refers to Theravada Buddhism, which prioritizes individual enlightenment over collective salvation.
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Also known as Hinayana, it refers to the early teaching of Buddha and his followers as a less expansive form of Buddhism.[1]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is the term used to describe treatises, specifically Ekottaragama and Samyuktagama, which were vowed to the kami at Matsuo shrine during the twelfth century.[2]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A reference to Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes personal enlightenment and is distinct from Mahayana Buddhism.[3]
The concept of Little Vehicle in local and regional sources
"Little Vehicle" refers to various schools and practices within Buddhism. It often denotes a branch emphasizing personal enlightenment, contrasting with other Buddhist traditions. Examples include the Sammatiya, Sarvastivada, and Theravada schools, studied by priests and followers in various regions.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The Little Vehicle is a religious tradition to which the Sammatiya school belongs, and it is practiced by the priests in the five sangharamas, reflecting a specific religious practice.[4] (2) The priests study both the Little and Great Vehicle, highlighting the presence of diverse Buddhist philosophical traditions within the monastic community.[5] (3) Priests in the area study the doctrines, along with the Great Vehicle, indicating a focus on Buddhist teachings.[6] (4) This is one of the two study areas in the sangharamas, where the followers, or priests, also practice discipline.[7] (5) The Little Vehicle is a doctrine studied by the priests of a sangharama, who initially followed the 'gradual doctrine' and allowed the use of the three pure articles of food.[8]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A term referring to the Buddhist tradition that emphasizes individual enlightenment.[9] (2) A reference to one of the Buddhist schools that the ramas in Ki-jou-i belong to.[10] (3) A classification of Buddhist practitioners focused on individual enlightenment, represented by a significant number of priests in the regions visited.[11] (4) A school of Buddhist belief that is practiced by approximately 4000 priests in the described country.[12] (5) Refers to a school of Buddhism represented by a temple additionally located in Pataliputra.[13]