Mahayana Buddhism:
Mahayana = "The Great Vehicle" vs. hinayana or "lesser vehicle".
Wrote texts in Sanskrit on the Indian Continent, vs. Theravada writing in Pali on Sri Lanka.
Analogy to illustrate authenticity of connection to true Buddhism: Theravada= Christianity, while Mahayana = Mormonism.

Comparison between Theravada and Mahayana:

T- Earliest and most authentic
M- Bogusly claim to have the Buddha's secret teachings given to advanced pupils.
T- Monastic movement/monks, nuns, laiety.
M- More worldly and secular.
T- No Bhakti
M- Bhakti- Buddha and others are worshipped and prayed to.
T- More of a philosophy
M- More of a devotion/prayer based
T- Ideal: The Arhat (Achieved Nirvana in life)
M- The Boddisattva (Puts off final Nirvana in order to help others)
T- Virtues: Calmness, Serentity, Mindfulness
M- Virtues: Compassion and Love
T- Self help "works" based
M- Grace- focus on helping others
T- No soul
M- Soul
T- No metaphysics
M- Speculation welcomed
T- No afterlife
M- Heavens and Hells
T- Self effort and discipline
M- Petionary prayer and ritual

Enjoy!