Sutra System - Exoteric Teachings
Tib., mdo-lugsFrom the Nyingma point of view, not a truly objective one, these levels embrace the Non-Tantric Hinayana and Mahayana teachings of Buddhism; as distinguished from the Vajrayana Outer Tantras (4-6) and Inner Tantras (7-9).
- Most often, this level is indicated as the "Vehicle of the Listeners" (Tib., nyan-thos-pa'i theg-pa, Skt., sravakayana), referring to the practitioners of Hinayana as "listeners" (Skt., sravakas) to the teachings of the Buddha.
- 1. Sometimes, however, this first category is called the "Worldly Vehicle" (Tib., 'jig-rten-lha mi'i theg-pa), in which case it refers to all Non-Buddhist religious systems.
- This level often refers to a type of Hinayana practitioner different from the "Listeners" in that he/she finds the path alone, without the need to hear the Buddha's instructions. In this case, level 2 refers to the "Vehicle of the Solitary Buddhas" (Tib., rang gyal-ba'i theg-pa, Skt., pratyekabuddhayana); those who renounce social contacts and live a life of solitary practice.
- 1. However, if level 1 is defined as in 1.1, this 2nd level or vehicle refers to the "Lesser" or "Smaller Vehicle" (Tib., theg-pa dman-pa; Skt., Hinayana) in general, to those who seek enlightenment mainly for themselves; as contrasted with the "Bodhisattva" ideal of Mahayana (level 3).
- This level refers to the "Greater Vehicle" (Tib., theg-pa chen-po, Skt., Mahayana) of those who aspire to the ideal of the Bodhisattva: someone who wants enlightenment for all and everyone. It is therefore known alternatively as the "Vehicle of Enlightened Beings" (Tib., byang-chub sems; Skt., Bodhisattvayana).