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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• A Bodhisattva is a compassionate being on the path to Buddhahood (statement 2) who, in Mahayana teaching, postpones his own nirvana to help all sentient beings reach liberation (statement 3).
• Statement 1 is wrong: the Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana, not Hinayana, which upholds the arhat ideal of individual liberation.
• Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Maitreya are the best-known Bodhisattvas.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: Bodhisattva is a Mahayana concept.
- (c) 2 only
- Statement 3 on delaying salvation is also correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.