Basic vehicle

Basic vehicle - (Skt. hīnayāna; Wyl. theg dman) - Literally the 'lesser vehicle', but perhaps more accurately understood as 'vehicle of lesser result'. What principally distinguishes followers of the hinayana from those of the Great Vehicle (Skt. mahayana; Wyl. theg chen) is their motivation. They aspire for the personal liberation of nirvana, and lack the courage to pursue the greater fruition of the Mahayana - this being the enlightenment of all sentient beings.

It comprises both the shravakayana [Skt.] or vehicle of shravakas and the pratyekabuddhayana [Skt.] or vehicle of pratyekabuddhas.

Alternative translations

• Fundamental vehicle
• Individual vehicle