The Three Vehicles: Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana

The Three Vehicles (Yanas)

According to Mahayana tradition, there are three main vehicles of Buddhism.

1. Hinayana (Small Vehicle)

The path of the close disciples who seek their own liberation. Also known as Theravada.

2. Mahayana (Great Vehicle)

The bodhisattva path, who seeks the liberation of all beings.

3. Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle)

Also known as Tantra or Esoteric Buddhism.

The Relationship Between the Vehicles

According to Mahayana tradition, the three vehicles are "skillful means" (upaya) adapted to different types of practitioners.

The Ekayana (One Vehicle)

According to the Lotus Sutra, all vehicles are manifestations of one vehicle.

Sources

• Paul Williams: Mahayana Buddhism
• The Lotus Sutra
• The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism