With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (2020)1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 and 3 only
ExplanationBuddhism has evolved into various sects and subsects over time due to doctrinal disagreements, geographical spread,and cultural influences.1. Early Schisms (3rd Century BC): After the Buddha’s death, disagreements arose over the interpretation of his teachings.The first major split occurred at the Council of Rajagriha (circa 5th century BCE), dividing followers into two groups: the Sthaviravada (Elder’s teaching) and the Mahasanghika (Great Assembly).The Sthaviravada later became associated with what was called Hinayana (the “Lesser Vehicle”), while the Mahasanghika became the precursor to the later Mahayana2. Hinayana vs. Mahayana: The term Hinayana was used by Mahayana Buddhists to describe the earlier schools that focused on | | UPSC personal enlightenment (through arhatship) and adhered to the teachings of the Pali Canon.These schools, such as the Sthaviravada and others, were seen by Mahayana as “lesser” because they were perceived as focusing more narrowly on individual salvation, as opposed to the Bodhisattva path of universal liberation central to Mahayana However, the use of the term Hinayana is now considered derogatory, and modern practitioners of these traditions prefer to call them Theravada or other specific sect names.3. Mahayana Emergence (1st Century BC- 1st Century AD): Over the centuries, the Mahasanghika sect developed the belief that the Buddha was a transcendent and divine This belief in the supernatural Buddha was a key idea that led to the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasized the Bodhisattva ideal — the aspiration to become a Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings.Mahayana also expanded the notion of the Buddha beyond a historical figure, viewing him as a cosmic, eternal presence.4. Development of Sub-sects: Within both Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana, multiple sub-sects arose over time: In Hinayana (or Theravada) Buddhism, the main focus was on monastic discipline and individual The tradition spread primarily to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia.In Mahayana, further divisions occurred, such as the Lokottaravadins, who viewed the Buddha as supernatural, and later schools like Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism emerged, each with distinct practices and philosophies.5. Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism (6th Century AD onward): The Vajrayana school, also known as Tantric Buddhism, emerged in India and later flourished in Tibet, incorporating esoteric practices and rituals aimed at attaining enlightenment more swiftly.Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sthaviravadins were an early Buddhist sect that later became associated with Theravada Buddhism, not Mahayana.Statement 2 is correct: Mahasanghika was further subdivided into several sects including Lokottarvadin, Kavya Variks, Kaukkitikas in coming years.Lokottarvadin was based on the philosophy of Lokottar Buddha or Supernatural Buddha.Statement 3 is correct: The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghika fostered Mahayana Buddhism.They attributed divinity to Buddha and worship of Buddha in Statue form started which is still prevalent in modern days.
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