Consider the following statements regarding the Buddhist Sangha: The r...
- Both the Mahavira and the Buddha felt that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge. They arranged for them to stay together in the sangha, an association of those who left their homes.
- The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called the Vinaya Pitaka.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- From this we know that there were separate branches for men and women.
- All men could join the sangha. However, children had to take the permission of their parents and slaves that of their masters.
Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Those who worked for the king had to take his permission and debtors that of creditors. Women had to take their husbands’ permission
Consider the following statements regarding the Buddhist Sangha: The r...
Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'a' i.e., statement 1 only.
Statement 1: The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in Vinaya Pitaka.
The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three divisions of the Tripitaka, which is the sacred scriptures of Buddhism. It contains the rules and regulations that govern the monastic community or the sangha. The Vinaya Pitaka provides guidelines for the conduct and discipline of Buddhist monks and nuns. It covers various aspects of monastic life, including rules on dress, food, lodging, behavior, and interactions within the sangha. These rules were orally transmitted initially but were later written down and compiled into the Vinaya Pitaka.
Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Slaves were prohibited from joining the sangha.
In Buddhism, the sangha is open to all individuals who wish to renounce worldly life and pursue a spiritual path. The Buddha emphasized equality and non-discrimination, and the sangha was meant to be a refuge for all who sought it, regardless of their social status or background. There is no specific prohibition against slaves joining the sangha in the Buddhist scriptures or teachings.
Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
In conclusion, only statement 1 is correct. The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were indeed written down in the Vinaya Pitaka, but there is no prohibition against slaves joining the sangha.
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