UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 99
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :
- The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
- Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
- 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?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: In Mahayana Buddhism the Bodhisattva ideal emphasises compassion and postponing final nirvana to help all beings. It is not the central goal of the Hinayana/Theravada path as phrased.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - The Bodhisattva ideal is especially central in Mahayana, rather than the standard Theravada/Hinayana ideal of an arhat.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - A Bodhisattva seeks awakening with compassion for all sentient beings.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - In common Mahayana formulations the Bodhisattva vows to aid others before final nirvana.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1; omits correct statement/items 2, 3.
B: Correct - includes all and only the true statements/items.
C: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 3.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.
Review Note: “Hinayana” is an outdated and often pejorative term; use “early Buddhist schools/Theravada” carefully when teaching distinctions.