Hīnayāna (हीनयान) is a Sanskrit term literally meaning: the "Smaller Vehicle",[1] applied to the Śrāvakayāna, the Buddhist path followed by a śrāvaka who wishes to become an arhat. The term appeared around the 1st or 2nd century. Hīnayāna is often contrasted with Mahāyāna, which means the "Great Vehicle."
There are a variety of interpretations as to who or what the term "Hīnayāna" refers. Kalu Rinpoche stated the "lesser" or "greater" designation "does not refer to economic or social status, but concerns the spiritual capacities of the practitioner".[1]
The Hinayana or Small Vehicle is defined by Kalu Rinpoche as follows: