Two Buddhist sects area)Sahayanas and Hinayanasb)Mahayanas and Hinayan...
The correct option is B.
After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and Hinayana.
View all questions of this test
Two Buddhist sects area)Sahayanas and Hinayanasb)Mahayanas and Hinayan...
Introduction:
Buddhism is a major world religion that originated in ancient India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. Over time, different Buddhist sects emerged, each with its own distinct practices and beliefs. Two prominent sects of Buddhism are Mahayana and Hinayana.
Mahayana Buddhism:
- Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, the other being Hinayana.
- It is also known as the "Great Vehicle" and is widely practiced in East Asia, including countries like China, Japan, and Korea.
- Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the idea of compassion and the goal of attaining enlightenment not only for oneself but also for the benefit of all sentient beings.
- It encourages individuals to strive for Buddhahood and become Bodhisattvas, who delay their own final enlightenment in order to help others along the path.
- Mahayana texts include the Lotus Sutra, Diamond Sutra, and Heart Sutra, among others.
- The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (known as Guanyin in East Asia) is highly revered in Mahayana Buddhism.
Hinayana Buddhism:
- Hinayana, also known as Theravada Buddhism, is the other main branch of Buddhism.
- It is predominantly practiced in Southeast Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
- Hinayana Buddhism focuses on the individual's pursuit of enlightenment and emphasizes the monastic life and personal meditation.
- It views the Buddha as a teacher who has shown the path to liberation but does not consider him divine.
- The Pali Canon, a collection of scriptures written in the Pali language, is the primary text of Hinayana Buddhism.
- The monastic order, or Sangha, plays a central role in Hinayana Buddhism.
Comparison:
- Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by its emphasis on compassion, the pursuit of Buddhahood, and the idea of Bodhisattvas.
- Hinayana Buddhism, on the other hand, focuses more on personal liberation through monastic life and meditation.
- The Mahayana tradition is more prevalent in East Asia, while Hinayana is dominant in Southeast Asia.
- The texts and scriptures associated with each sect also differ, with Mahayana texts including the Lotus Sutra and Hinayana relying on the Pali Canon.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer is option B, which states that the two Buddhist sects are Mahayana and Hinayana. These sects differ in their beliefs, practices, and geographical distribution. While Mahayana emphasizes compassion and the pursuit of Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings, Hinayana focuses on personal liberation through monastic life and meditation.