Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

Hinayana meditation practices though they keep a
Mahayanic mental attitude. Also in the Mahayana sutras,
many Arhats have been mentioned and their attainments
praised. In addition, many patriarchs of the Chan School
were Arhats both in outlook and in name while keeping
in their hearts the Mahayana attitude (exemplified by
the 60 Arhats who were sent forth by Lord Buddha to
preach). So we should not think of these two yanas as
mutually exclusive, nor begin our practice with the
second one, the Mahayana.
Since the Song Dynasty, however, monks and laymen of
all schools pretend to be Bodhisattvas and rebuke the
Hinayana. Even though they do not go as far as saying
that the Hinayana is not the Buddha's teaching, still they
over-emphasize the Great Way and blame the followers
of the other too much (for "selfishness," "ignorance,"
etc.). These "bodhisattvas," because of their wrong
emphasis, spend most of their time running around
doing good deeds for others. All the time they gather
merits for their "perfections" and have little or no time
left for meditation.
They wish to benefit others but neglect their own
spiritual cultivation and, as a result, ultimately cannot
benefit others.
I am indeed sorry that I was born so late in the history
of the Dharma. How difficult it is these days to find
those who will welcome and practice the Hinayana.
239