What are the true methods that lead to full awakening? From the perspective of deep knowing, the method is mainly emptiness, and from the perspective of skillful means, it is mainly precious bodhichitta. This kind of path is found in all three vehicles. In the foundational Vehicles, we can follow along an excellent path with many special attributes: it can clear away the misery of samsara and conquer the tendency to cling to an existent self.

If we would ask, however, whether the Foundational Vehicles have the qualities that enable us to completely tame our mind-stream and mature the mind-stream of others. We would have to say no. Why is this? The type of realization attained by those on the foundational path cannot completely vanquish the obscurations. Although they teach meditation on the nature of the mind, their path does not lead to a stable happiness because it lacks the great compassion and loving-kindness of bodhichitta that focuses on all the living beings present throughout space.

Due to this difference between vehicles, some people consider the Foundational Vehicle inferior to the great Vehicle and not a worthy path of practice. This is a mistaken view. There is definitely no distinction between the two vehicles: they abide in a great equality. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the special qualities belonging to each vehicle. Why is this? Individuals are naturally drawn to a particular vehicle, and in order to enter it, they need to know its particular qualities well. This is not to say that we should harbor a bias or become involved in quarrels over philosophical systems. Our teacher Shakyamuni taught so that we could attain stable happiness and so that we could help all living beings (including ourselves). Shakyamuni Buddha also held the lineages of all the vehicles- the Foundational and the Great- and it is not appropriate to have even the slightest discord among the teachings of the same teacher.

It is important to see for ourselves the qualities specific to the Foundational and Great vehicles, and then with respect, we should practice them. If we look at Dharma from all sides, we will see that it is important to be free of any prejudice and maintain pure vision. This applies not only to these two vehicles within Buddhism but also to all religious traditions throughout the world. 

Whether we are speaking of Dharma activity, the Dharma itself, or a mundane path, the most important thing is bodhichitta. The sincere wish to benefit others is found in many religious traditions. In the future, we should do whatever we can to have an utterly pure mind and to benefit other beings through pure actions of body and speech.

The above teaching information is adopted from "Music In The Sky" by Michele Martin.