🏛️ History & Art-CultureArchitecture in India

In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) out of compassion for all sentient beings. They vow to help others achieve enlightenment before fully entering Nirvana themselves. Statement 1 is incorrect: A Bodhisattva is literally a living being(Sattva) who aspires to attain enlightenment(Bodhi). The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Statement 2 is correct: Compassion, an empathetic sharing of the sufferings of others, is Bodhisattva’s greatest characteristic. Statement 3 is correct: Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help others on the same path. It is held that the Bodhisattva makes four vows expressing a determination to work for the happiness of others75. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? (2014, 2015)1. Avanti2. Gandhara3. Kosala4. MagadhaSelect the correct answer using the codes given below.

a1, 2 and 3 only
b2 and 3 only
c1, 3 and 4
d3 and 4 only
✓ Correct answer: d) 3 and 4 only
ExplanationKosala was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas (Great Kingdoms) during Buddha’s time.Buddha was born in Lumbini which was under the rule of the Kosala kingdom at that time.His father, King Suddhodana was the leader of the Shakya clan which a vassal state under Kosala.King Prasenajit (Pasenadi) of Kosala was a major contemporary of Buddha and a patron of Buddhism.Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada during Buddha’s lifetime.Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, which was in Magadha.King Bimbisara of Magadha was one of Buddha’s earliest royal patrons and donated the Venuvana monastery in Rajgir.76

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