There is a story about four enlightened ones as they approach Nirvana. As the story goes there is a wall surrounding the goal. The first of the enlightened ones climbs over the wall never to return from Nirvana. The second of the enlightened ones climbs over and never returns. The third also reaches Nirvana. The fourth upon the top of the wall, looks to Nirvana and then returns their gaze to the world of suffering. The fourth enlightened one chooses to stay atop the wall, waiting for the next being to approach Nirvana, the fourth promises that Nirvana is within everyones reach. The fourth enlightened one promises to wait on the edge of Nirvana until all of existence is enlightened and free from the suffering of life.
Mahayana is the big raft of Buddhism where Hinayana is the small raft. The raft metaphor that describes Mahayana and Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism so well should be understood in the context of transportation was in the time of the Buddha. The landscape was separated by many rivers; the rivers where not easily crossed and necessitated hiring raftsmen to get across.
The first three of the enlightened ones follow what is known as Hinayana or the ‘little raft.’ Hinayana is known by its followers as Theravada or the ‘way of the elders.’ This path to enlightenment is a very solitary endeavor. In a sort it this is far more in line with the philosophical teachings of Buddhism and the Buddha. This is philosophical Buddhism in my opinion. Theravada is not a religion like other Buddhisms have become.
Mahayana Buddhism is represented by the fourth enlightened one, who remained in existence to bring others to Nirvana. Mahayana is the ‘big raft’ and it is Mahayana Buddhists who named Theravada ‘Hinayana.’ Where Theravada is the philosophy of the Buddha, Mahayana is the actions of the Buddha. The Buddha chose not to progress into Nirvana, he taught and led others to enlightenment as the Sangha or monastic order does to today.
