Based on the content of the Hannya-kyo sutras, it is thought that the teachings by Shomon (Sharavakia), or Setsuissaiubu (Sarvaastivaadin), which were very influential at that time even among other sects of Nikaya Buddhism, were called Hinayana by the Mahayana Buddhism side; however, this remains unclear.
般若経典の内容から、声聞の教え、すなわち部派仏教の中でも当時勢力を誇った説一切有部を指して大乗仏教側から小乗仏教と呼んだと考えられているが、必ずしもはっきりしたことは分かっていない。