Hinayana Buddhism is what Mahayana Buddhists call those who practice the Four Noble Truths or who contemplate Dependent Origination but ignore the message of perfect wisdom and universal compassion expressed in the Mahayana teachings. Hinayana is like a small raft only for those disciplined enough to make the crossing from the shore of birth and death to the other shore of Nirvana by themselves. Conversely, Mahayana is like a large passenger liner that can carry all beings over to the other shore of Buddhahood together.