e two great traditions share the same basic teachings of the
Buddha but their interpretations of the ideals and practices are
not quite the same. e eravada, often referred to as the Hi-
nayana, focuses on the attainment of the Arhat level of realisa-
tion while the Mahayana, being much more progressive, liberal
and open-minded, strives not for self liberation but to serve
mankind actively through the attainment of Bodhisattvahood.
e Mahayana recognises the weakness of human beings and
offers help in salvation through the services of the Bodhisattvas.
is great concern and attitude earns it the title “Mahayana” or
“Great Vehicle” as it seeks to benefit all beings by awakening their
enlightenment thought which leads them to practise the Bodhi-
sattva path. It is open to all who wish to practise it, whether
monk or laity, and therefore has won the hearts of countless
people, especially the Chinese. As the Mahayana spreads across
the land, it absorbed the different cultures and indigenous be-
liefs, thus allowing the Great Vehicle to transform the wisdom
of Buddhahood to different people in a variety of ways. us we
find that there are more schools of Mahayana Buddhism which
are but different paths of practice leading to the same goal.
Hinayana Buddhism is not a metaphysical doctrine but a philo-
sophical one. It does not speculate on the origin of the world nor
the existence of God and neither does it accept the divinity of
the Buddha. e Buddha, himself is regarded as a man, a great
teacher, but not a God or Deity. e stress is on self-reliance and
it follows therefore that one should not expect miraculous help
from any deity in heaven at all. One should rather rely on one’s
own efforts and conduct to achieve one’s goals.