Vehicle of characteristics
The Vehicle of characteristics (Skt. lakṣaṇayāna; Wyl. rgyu mtshan nyid theg pa), or Causal Vehicle (Skt. hetuyāna; Wyl. rgyu'i theg pa), refers to the Sutrayana and thus includes the shravaka yana, the pratyekabuddha yana and the Mahayana. It is called a vehicle of characteristics because it has all the characteristics of a path that is a direct cause for bringing about the ultimate fruition, the level of buddhahood.
See also resultant vehicle.
Alternative Translations
- Expository vehicle of causality (Padmakara, Treasury of Precious Qualities)