UPSC Prelims 2016 Q50: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
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
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Bodhisattva
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism | Incorrect | It is central to Mahayana Buddhism |
| 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment | Correct | A being moved by compassion (karuna) |
| 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it | Correct | He postpones nirvana to help others |
Hinayana and Mahayana compared:
| Feature | Hinayana (Theravada) | Mahayana |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal | Arhat: own salvation | Bodhisattva: salvation of all |
| Buddha | A great teacher | Worshipped as a deity |
| Language | Pali | Sanskrit |
| Images | Symbols at first | Idol worship |
Famous Bodhisattvas: Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), Manjushri, Vajrapani, Maitreya.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Bodhisattva concept is central to Mahayana, not Hinayana.
- (b) CORRECT. A Bodhisattva is compassionate and delays his own salvation to help others.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: he delays salvation for all sentient beings.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; Hinayana stresses the Arhat ideal.
Key point
Bodhisattva: Mahayana ideal of a compassionate being who delays nirvana to help all sentient beings; Hinayana's ideal is the Arhat.
Remember
Bodhisattva = Mahayana; Arhat = Hinayana.
Common mistakes
- Swapping Hinayana and Mahayana on the Bodhisattva ideal.
- Thinking a Bodhisattva has already attained nirvana.
- Forgetting that Maitreya is the future Buddha, a Bodhisattva now.
Exam tip
Maha-yana = 'great vehicle' that carries everyone, hence the Bodhisattva who helps all.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings)
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India (Religion: Buddhism)