Buddhism

just a minor clarification of terms - lesser vehicle is termed "Hinayana". Hina = lesser, thinner, smaller, etc.. Maha = greater, larger, etc.. Yana, of course ='vehicle, conveyance, etc.. "Theravadha", means "Doctrine of the (Buddhist) Elders"; a term coined, i believe, by the Theravadhins of the time of the divergence, to counter what may have been deemed as a bit of a put-down. "Thera" is also a term used for Monks. "Elders" is used in this context - in the sense of "religious elders".

While a committed follower of Theravadha doctrine, i don't believe there are major differences between the established schools, to quibble over. now, if there happens to be any distortion from the principles laid down by The Buddha - then, i think such a sect should name their religion something else; and not use the term Buddhism. on the other hand - after the passage of 2,500 odd years; as spoken verses for the first 300 years; and transcription after translation into alien languages, after that time - who can be absolutely certain of The Buddha's exact words; unless one realizes them from objective & direct personal experience.

A few words of The Buddha from the Suttas (paraphrased):
'O Bhikkhus, even this view (the Buddhist Dhamma), which is so pure and so clear, if you cling to it, if you fondle it, if you treasure it, if you are attached to it, then you do not understand that this teaching is similar to a raft - which is for crossing over, and not for getting hold of & carrying around with you (after you cross the river of sansara)'.

A slightly different version of 'the Raft simile', appears here:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel048.html