While it is believed that the Buddhism of the Mahāyāna, which means “great vehicle,” arose as a criticism of the Buddhism of the Hinayāna, which means “small vehicle,” careful judgment is needed regarding this matter. We do not clearly understand issues such as the background from which Mahāyāna Buddhism arose and whether or not an actual identifiable Hinayāna Buddhist organization existed. It is clear that Mahāyāna Buddhism criticizes those who seek practices only for self-improvement.