Question 76 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Culture

Question

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the 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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 and 3 only

Strategy: Identify the core tenets of Buddhist sects. The **Bodhisattva** concept is primarily associated with **Mahayana** Buddhism, emphasizing collective salvation, not Hinayana (which focuses on individual enlightenment or the Arhat ideal). This immediately makes Statement 1 incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 accurately describe the Bodhisattva ideal: a compassionate being pursuing enlightenment and intentionally delaying their own nirvana to assist all sentient beings. Therefore, options containing statement 1 must be eliminated, leaving the correct combination.

Key Info: The concept of Bodhisattva is central to **Mahayana Buddhism**, not Hinayana (also known as Theravada in many contexts). A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who, out of immense compassion (Karuna), chooses to delay their own final nirvana (salvation) to help all other sentient beings achieve enlightenment. This ideal stands in contrast to the Arhat ideal of Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on individual liberation from suffering.

*   **Bodhisattva:** Derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'enlightenment being' or 'one whose essence is perfect wisdom.' In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva makes a vow to achieve full Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings. Key characteristics include: profound compassion (Karuna), wisdom (Prajna), and the dedication to alleviate the suffering of others.
*   **Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism:** Focuses on individual enlightenment through personal efforts, meditation, and adherence to monastic rules, aiming to become an Arhat (one who has achieved personal nirvana). It emphasizes the teachings of the historical Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon.
*   **Mahayana Buddhism:** Emerged around the 1st century CE. It advocates universal salvation and the Bodhisattva ideal, where an enlightened being postpones their own entry into nirvana to guide others. Mahayana is diverse and includes various schools like Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. It is prevalent in China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and Vietnam.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option C: 2 only

Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3