It emphasized the worship of Bodhisattvas.
Explanation
Mahayana Buddhism, or the "Great Vehicle," emerged as a distinct sect of Buddhism around the 1st century CE, notably during the reign of Kanishka. It represented a significant departure from the earlier form of Buddhism (often referred to as Hinayana or Theravada) in terms of doctrine, worship practices, and language.Option Analysis
- It strictly prohibited the making of statues of the Buddha. is Incorrect: Mahayana Buddhism did not prohibit the making of statues. On the contrary, it introduced the practice of idol worship. Before this, the Buddha was represented through symbols (like the Peepal tree, Stupa, or Footprints). The Mathura and Gandhara schools of art flourished under Mahayana influence, creating the first human images of the Buddha.
- It emphasized the worship of Bodhisattvas. is Correct: The worship of Bodhisattvas became a central tenet of Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisattva is a compassionate being who has attained enlightenment but delays their own Nirvana to help others achieve salvation. This shifted the focus from individual salvation (Arhatship) to universal salvation.
- It rejected the use of Sanskrit for religious texts. is Incorrect: Mahayana Buddhism adopted Sanskrit for its religious texts and scholarly discourse. This was a shift from the earlier Pali and Prakrit languages used in Theravada Buddhism to make the teachings accessible to the common masses.
- It was the older form of Buddhism popular in Sri Lanka. is Incorrect: The older form of Buddhism, known as Theravada (Doctrine of the Elders), remained popular in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. Mahayana Buddhism spread primarily to Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan.