Compare Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. Why did Buddhism become popular and decline subsequently?

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Hinayana stresses individual liberation through the Pali Canon and austere monastic discipline, while Mahayana offers universal salvation through the Bodhisattva ideal, new sutras and worship of Buddha as divine. Buddhism spread through inclusiveness and royal patronage by Ashoka and Kanishka, but declined through monastic decadence, Brahmanical revival and Turkish invasions.

**Introduction**

Buddhism, originating in the 6th century BCE, evolved into Hinayana and Mahayana schools, gaining popularity due to its inclusive philosophy but later declined in India. Its teachings offered a transformative spiritual path that appealed across social strata and regions.

**Comparative Features of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism**

SKETCH: comparison | Hinayana vs Mahayana Buddhism  
a: Hinayana Buddhism  
b: Mahayana Buddhism  
- Focus on individual liberation :: Emphasis on universal salvation  
- Strict adherence to original teachings and monastic discipline :: Adaptation with new scriptures and devotional practices  
- Buddha as an enlightened teacher, not a god :: Buddha worshipped as a divine figure  
- Predominantly practiced in Sri Lanka⟦1⟧ and Southeast Asia :: Predominantly practiced in East Asia and parts of India

1. **Philosophical Orientation**: Hinayana (Theravada) stresses personal enlightenment via strict adherence to the Pali Canon; Mahayana emphasizes universal salvation and the Bodhisattva ideal, promoting compassion for all beings.  
2. **Scriptural and Ritual Differences**: Hinayana relies on early Pali scriptures and austere monastic discipline; Mahayana incorporates new sutras like Prajnaparamita and Vaipulya, with elaborate rituals and worship of multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

**Reasons for Buddhism’s Popularity**

3. **Social Inclusiveness and Royal Patronage**: Buddhism’s rejection of the varna system attracted lower castes and women; Emperor Ashoka’s missionary efforts spread it widely across Asia, establishing it as a major religion.  
4. **Philosophical Appeal and Adaptability**: The Four Noble Truths⟦2⟧ offered practical guidance to overcome suffering; Mahayana’s syncretism helped it flourish in regions like ==Andhra Pradesh==, inspiring the Amaravati school of art and integrating local beliefs.

**Reasons for Buddhism’s Decline**

5. **Internal Corruption and Loss of Patronage**: Wealth accumulation led to monastic decadence, alienating followers; after the Mauryan era, rulers increasingly favored Brahmanism, reducing state support for Buddhism.  
6. **Brahmanical Revival and Sectarian Divisions**: Scholars like Shankaracharya and Kumaril Bhatta reasserted Hindu dominance; the shift from Pali to Sanskrit and divisions between Hinayana and Mahayana weakened Buddhism’s mass appeal.  
7. **External Invasions**: Turkish invasions targeted wealthy monasteries, causing physical destruction and accelerating Buddhism’s decline in India.

**Conclusion**

Buddhism’s legacy endures through its philosophical depth and social impact despite historical setbacks, continuing to inspire spiritual and cultural traditions worldwide.

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