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CAPF 2014

Buddhist Biographical Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Composition of the biography of the Buddha occupies a special place in Buddhist literature. Which one among the following is a full-fledged biography of the Buddha?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept In Buddhist literature, biographical texts vary from collections of birth stories (Jatakas) to philosophical dialogues and full narrative life accounts.

Explanation Lalitavistara Sutra is a Mahayana text that chronicles the life of Buddha from his descent from Tushita heaven to his first sermon at Sarnath. Unlike fragmented stories, it provides a comprehensive narrative arc of his life.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Lalitavistara (Option A) is a complete biography detailing miracles and teachings.
Logic 2: Milinda Panho (Option B) is a philosophical dialogue between King Menander and Nagasena.
Logic 3: Sariputra-Prakarana (Option C) is a drama focusing on a disciple, not the Buddha’s full life.
Logic 4: Avadanasatka (Option D) is a collection of 100 legends about previous lives and deeds.

Active Recall

Question

How does Lalitavistara differ from the Buddhacharita?

Answer

While both are biographies, Lalitavistara is a Mahayana sutra often emphasizing the supernatural and miraculous, whereas Ashvaghosha’s Buddhacharita is a classical Sanskrit Mahakavya.

Core Insight

Lalitavistara serves as a primary scriptural source for the visual depictions of Buddha’s life in ancient relief sculptures like those at Borobudur.

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