In the context of Mahayana Buddhism, who were the "Bodhisattvas"? Statements: 1. Persons who had attained enlightenment. 2. Beings who lived in complete isolation to meditate in peace. 3. Beings who remained in the world to teach and help other people. 4. Monks who strictly followed the Theravada tradition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (b) 1 and 3 only. Explanation The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism. Unlike the earlier Theravada tradition, which emphasized individual salvation (becoming an Arhat), Mahayana Buddhism introduced the idea of the Bodhisattva-a being who, out of supreme compassion (Karuna), delays their own final liberation (Nirvana) to assist all other sentient beings in achieving enlightenment. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. In the context of Mahayana doctrine, Bodhisattvas are recognized as persons who have attained enlightenment. They possess the wisdom and spiritual capability to enter Nirvana but choose a different path. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. While enlightened beings could theoretically live in complete isolation to meditate in peace (a path associated with the Pratyekabuddha or the Arhat ideal in earlier Buddhism), Bodhisattvas explicitly reject isolation. Their defining characteristic is active engagement with the world to alleviate suffering. - Statement 3 is Correct. The primary vow of a Bodhisattva is to remain in the cycle of existence (Samsara) to teach, guide, and help other living beings. They prioritize the welfare of others over their own immediate release. - Statement 4 is Incorrect. The Bodhisattva ideal is the hallmark of Mahayana Buddhism ("The Great Vehicle"). The Theravada tradition ("The Doctrine of the Elders") focuses more on the individual pursuit of the Arhatship and strictly adheres to the original Pali Canon, distinct from the expansive Bodhisattva worship of Mahayana. Key Takeaway: A Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism is an enlightened being who postpones Parinirvana to serve humanity, contrasting with the Arhat of Theravada Buddhism who seeks individual liberation through isolation and meditation.

In the context of Mahayana Buddhism, who… - NCERT Class 6 History MCQ

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 9: Traders, kings and pilgrims

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In the context of Mahayana Buddhism, who were the "Bodhisattvas"?

Statements:

Persons who had attained enlightenment.
Beings who lived in complete isolation to meditate in peace.
Beings who remained in the world to teach and help other people.
Monks who strictly followed the Theravada tradition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -1 · Page 103

Options

A1 and 2 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 4 only
D1, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (b) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism. Unlike the earlier Theravada tradition, which emphasized individual salvation (becoming an Arhat), Mahayana Buddhism introduced the idea of the Bodhisattva-a being who, out of supreme compassion (Karuna), delays their own final liberation (Nirvana) to assist all other sentient beings in achieving enlightenment.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. In the context of Mahayana doctrine, Bodhisattvas are recognized as persons who have attained enlightenment. They possess the wisdom and spiritual capability to enter Nirvana but choose a different path.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. While enlightened beings could theoretically live in complete isolation to meditate in peace (a path associated with the Pratyekabuddha or the Arhat ideal in earlier Buddhism), Bodhisattvas explicitly reject isolation. Their defining characteristic is active engagement with the world to alleviate suffering.
Statement 3 is Correct. The primary vow of a Bodhisattva is to remain in the cycle of existence (Samsara) to teach, guide, and help other living beings. They prioritize the welfare of others over their own immediate release.
Statement 4 is Incorrect. The Bodhisattva ideal is the hallmark of Mahayana Buddhism ("The Great Vehicle"). The Theravada tradition ("The Doctrine of the Elders") focuses more on the individual pursuit of the Arhatship and strictly adheres to the original Pali Canon, distinct from the expansive Bodhisattva worship of Mahayana.

Key Takeaway: A Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism is an enlightened being who postpones Parinirvana to serve humanity, contrasting with the Arhat of Theravada Buddhism who seeks individual liberation through isolation and meditation.

Your note

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