大眾部

Literally means the Member of the Great Order, majority, community.

During the First Council, when the Sthāvira or elder disciples assembled in the cave after the Buddha's death, and the other disciples (called to be Mahāsaṅghika) assembled outside the cave. Both compiled the Tripiṭaka. However, the former emphasized on the rules of disciplines in the monastic community, while the latter concerned the spread of the spirit of Buddhism in lay community. As sects, the principal division took place in the Second Council.

 Mahāsaṅghika and Sthāvira are known as two earliest sects in Hīnayāna . Mahāsaṅghika is said to be the basis of the development of the Mahāyāna Buddhism, while Sthāvira of the Theravāda Buddhism.

For the sub division of Mahāsaṅghika, please refer to the Eighteen Sects of Hīnayāna .