hinayana(n = noun.cognition) hinayana buddhism - an offensive name for the early conservative Theravada Buddhism; it died out in India but survived in Sri Lanka and was taken from there to other regions of southwestern Asia;
a major school of Buddhism teaching personal salvation through one's own efforts. [WordNet 1.5]
one of two great schools of Buddhist doctrine emphasizing personal salvation through one's own efforts; chiefly in Sri Lanka (Ceylon); Myanmar (Burma); Thailand; Cambodia. [WordNet 1.5]