The Mahayana has seven distinct characteristics that distinguish it from the Hinayana. Here Rinpoches present these characteristics according to the teachings of Longchenpa, along with extensive commetary on the Twenty Verses of the great master Vasubandhu. Buddha Shakyamuni declared, "Oh Bodhisttvas, the three realms are nothing other than mind." The Cittamatrins use these words as their point of departure.