Hinayana

Hinayana is an early branch of Buddhism, often referred to as the "Lesser Vehicle," which focuses on individual liberation and monastic practice.

Hinayana, meaning "Lesser Vehicle" in Sanskrit, is used to describe the early schools of Buddhism that emphasize individual liberation and monastic discipline. This designation was primarily used by Mahayana adherents to differentiate their more inclusive approach. Hinayana is now more commonly known as Theravada, the only Hinayana school that has survived to the present day. Hinayana teachings are based on the earliest Buddhist writings compiled in the Pali Canon and emphasize the path to enlightenment through strict adherence to precepts and meditation. Practitioners aspire to become arhats, beings who have achieved enlightenment and freed themselves from the cycle of birth and death. Countries where Theravada Buddhism is predominant include Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. The architecture of Theravada temples and monasteries often reflects simplicity and austerity in line with their values of discipline and contemplation.