Question

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.

2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.

3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 2 and 3 only

The Correct Answer is 2 and 3 only.

 

• Sthaviravadins belong to Theravada. Hence Statement 1 is Not Correct.
• The Lokottaravada was one of the early Buddhist schools according to Mahayana doxological sources compiled by Bhaviveka,
• Vinitadeva and others, and was a subgroup that emerged from the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. Hence Statement 2 is Correct.
• The Mahasaṅghikas believed in a plurality of buddhas who are supramundane (lokottara) and held that what passed for Gautama Buddha in his earthly existence was only an apparition.
• They patronized Mahayana Buddhism. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.

 

• Schools of Buddhism
  • Mahayana:
    • The term Mahayana is a Sanskrit word that literally means "Great Vehicle".
    • It believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature.
    • Buddhist schools embedded in China, Korea, Tibet and Japan belong to the Mahayana tradition.
  • Hinayana
    • It believes in the original teaching of Buddha or the Doctrine of elders.
    • It does not believe in Idol worship and tries to attain individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
    • Theravada is a Hinayana sect.
  • Theravada
    • The Theravada form of Buddhism gradually spread eastward, becoming dominant in Myanmar in the late 11th century and in Cambodia and Laos by the 13th and 14th centuries.
    • It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
    • This style of Buddhism, then, is fundamentally devoted to meditating and sitting quietly while thinking on these deeper things that are more important than the common distractions of the world.