[hee-nuh-yah-nuh] 
| earlier of the two great schools of Buddhism, still prevalent in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia, emphasizing personal salvation through one's own efforts. |
| Hi·na·ya·na (hē'nə-yä'nə) n. Offensive Theravada Buddhism. [Sanskrit Hīnayānam, lesser vehicle (as contrasted with Mahāyānam, greater vehicle; see Mahayana) : hīna-, inferior; see ghē- in Indo-European roots + yānam, vehicle, way; see ei- in Indo-European roots.] Hi'na·ya'nist n., Hi'na·ya·nis'tic (-yä-nĭs'tĭk) adj. |