Bodhisattva concept in Buddhism
Question
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1.
The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
- 2.
Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
- 3.
Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Options
1 only
2 and 3 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because the concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism. In Hinayana, the focus is on individual enlightenment (Arhathood), while Mahayana emphasizes the Bodhisattva path. Statements 2 and 3 correctly describe the Bodhisattva concept. A Bodhisattva is indeed a being who is on the path to enlightenment but is characterized by compassion and the commitment to delay his own final salvation (enlightenment) to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. This is a fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism, reflecting the ideal of universal salvation through compassion. The Bodhisattva vow involves postponing one's own ultimate enlightenment for the welfare of others.
Question details
Year
2016
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q50
Subject
History
Sub-topic
Religion and Philosophy - Buddhism
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Ancient India - Buddhism
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