HNYNA

   literally the "lesser vehicle." One of the major schools of BUDDHISM which stresses intellectual understanding. It thrives in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia where it places its emphasis upon the role of the priesthood and attainment of ENLIGHTENMENT through strenuous spiritual exercises within the MONASTIC community. It first became known in the West during the late nineteenth century giving the false impression that Buddhism is simply a FORM of HUMANISM devoid of SUPERNATURAL BELIEFS and other religious overtones.