Ancient History : Jainism And Buddhism

Q 16 / 33

UPSC CSE Prelims 2016

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :
  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.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (B)

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

  • Statement 2: A Bodhisattva is characterized by profound compassion (Karuna) and is actively engaged in the pursuit of enlightenment. This path involves cultivating wisdom and altruism for the benefit of all beings.
  • Statement 3: A central tenet of the Bodhisattva ideal, primarily within Mahayana Buddhism, is the vow to postpone one's own final Nirvana (salvation) until all other sentient beings have been liberated from suffering. This reflects a commitment to collective enlightenment over individual liberation.

Incorrect Options

Statement 1 is incorrect.

  • The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva path, where an individual delays their own enlightenment to help others. In contrast, Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism primarily focuses on the ideal of the Arhat, who achieves individual liberation from suffering.

Given that statement 1 is incorrect, options (1) and (4) are eliminated. Since both statements 2 and 3 are correct, option (3) which includes only statement 2 is also incorrect. Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

SOURCEIndia's Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma, Chapter 13: Jainism and Buddhism