Hinayana, or Theravada, Teaching

The Hinayana view is that Buddha Shakyamuni transmitted his teachings to seven accomplished disciples. In Tibetan, they are known as Ösung, Kungawo, Shane Göchen, Nyerbe, Phagpa Dhidhika, Nagpopa and Legthong; in Sanskrit, they are Kasyapa, Ananda, Sanavisika, Upagupta, etc. Shortly after the parinirvana of the Buddha, at the first council in Rajagriha, the Arhats recited the teachings and classified them into the Tripitaka. The Tripitika includes the Vinaya to promote shila, the training in ethics and karma; the Sutras to promote samadhi, the training in concentration and contemplation; and the Abhidharma to promote prajna, the training in penetrating wisdom. From the sravaka sanghas arose four schools, which, by the time of King Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C.E., developed into 18 schools. They are known collectively as the Hinayana. Today, this tradition is known as the Theravada, the "Way of the Elders."

History & Background