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Consider the following statements with respect to Mahayana Buddhism:
1. Its ultimate goal is 'spiritual upliftment'.
2. The school is more liberal and believes in the heavenliness of Buddha.
3. Its scholars predominantly used Pali as a language.
4. Emperor Kanishka patronized the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
  • a)
    1, 2 and 3 only
  • b)
    1, 3 and 4 only
  • c)
    1 and 2 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 4 only
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following statements withrespect to Mahayana Buddhism:1. ...
Correct answer: option D
Explanation:

1. Ultimate goal of Mahayana Buddhism:
- The ultimate goal of Mahayana Buddhism is indeed spiritual upliftment. Mahayana emphasizes the idea of universal enlightenment and the aspiration to become a bodhisattva - someone who seeks enlightenment not only for oneself but for all beings.

2. Liberal beliefs and heavenly status of Buddha:
- Mahayana Buddhism is considered more liberal compared to Theravada Buddhism. It believes in the concept of multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, as well as the heavenly nature of Buddha. This is reflected in the Mahayana texts and teachings.

3. Predominant use of Pali language:
- Contrary to the statement, scholars of Mahayana Buddhism did not predominantly use Pali as a language. Pali language was more commonly associated with Theravada Buddhism, while Mahayana texts were often written in Sanskrit and other vernacular languages.

4. Patronage by Emperor Kanishka:
- Emperor Kanishka, a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire, is known for his patronage of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which led to the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in Central Asia and beyond.
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.
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Community Answer
Consider the following statements withrespect to Mahayana Buddhism:1. ...
  • Mahayana Buddhism:
    • It means the greater vehicle.
    • The school is more liberal and believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature. Hence statement 2 is correct.
    • The ultimate goal under Mahayana is “spiritual upliftment”. The Mahayana followers believe in idol or image worship of Buddha. Hence statement 1 is correct.
    • The concept of Bodhisattva is the result of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana is also called “Bodhisattvayana”, or the “Bodhisattva Vehicle. That is to say, the followers believe in Bodhisattva concept of the salvation of all conscious individual. In other words, they believe in universal liberation from the suffering of all beings.
    • A bodhisattva seeks complete enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. A bodhisattva who has accomplished this goal is called a Samyaksaṃbuddha.
    • Prominent Mahayana texts include Lotus Sutra, Mahavamsa, etc.
    • As per Lotus Sutra, the Mahayana school believes in six perfections (or paramitas) to be followed by an individual:
      • Dana (generosity)
      • Sila (virtue, morality, discipline and proper conduct)
      • Kṣanti (patience, tolerance, acceptance)
      • Virya (energy, diligence, vigor, effort)
      • Dhyana (one-pointed concentration)
      • Prajna (wisdom and insight)
    • As per scholars, one of the sub-sects of Mahayana being developed in the later periods was Vajrayana.
    • The Mahayana scholars predominantly used Sanskrit as a language. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
    • Emperor Kaniska convened the fourth great Buddhist council in Kashmir, which marked the beginnings of Mahayana Buddhism (as Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism diverged after this council). He patronized the new Mahayana sect of Buddhism which led to its popularity. Hence statement 4 is correct.
    • Presently, the majority of the Buddhist followers in the world belong to Mahayana sect. (around 53.2% as per 2010 report) o Other countries following it includes Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, China, Bhutan, Tibet, etc.
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Consider the following statements withrespect to Mahayana Buddhism:1. Its ultimate goal is spiritual upliftment.2. The school is more liberal and believesin the heavenliness of Buddha.3. Its scholars predominantly used Pali as alanguage.4. Emperor Kanishka patronized theMahayana sect of Buddhism.Which of the statements given above arecorrect?a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)1, 3 and 4 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Consider the following statements withrespect to Mahayana Buddhism:1. Its ultimate goal is spiritual upliftment.2. The school is more liberal and believesin the heavenliness of Buddha.3. Its scholars predominantly used Pali as alanguage.4. Emperor Kanishka patronized theMahayana sect of Buddhism.Which of the statements given above arecorrect?a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)1, 3 and 4 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Consider the following statements withrespect to Mahayana Buddhism:1. Its ultimate goal is spiritual upliftment.2. The school is more liberal and believesin the heavenliness of Buddha.3. Its scholars predominantly used Pali as alanguage.4. Emperor Kanishka patronized theMahayana sect of Buddhism.Which of the statements given above arecorrect?a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)1, 3 and 4 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Consider the following statements withrespect to Mahayana Buddhism:1. Its ultimate goal is spiritual upliftment.2. The school is more liberal and believesin the heavenliness of Buddha.3. Its scholars predominantly used Pali as alanguage.4. Emperor Kanishka patronized theMahayana sect of Buddhism.Which of the statements given above arecorrect?a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)1, 3 and 4 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 4 onlyCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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