Chhattisgarh PCS (Pre) 2021

Buddhist Doctrinal Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who is the author of 'Visuddhimagga'?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The 5th century CE was a significant period for the codification of Buddhist doctrine, particularly through the work of scholars in Sri Lanka who systematized the Pali Canon.

Explanation Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification) was written by Buddhaghosa. It is considered the most important non-canonical text in Theravada Buddhism, providing a systematic summary of Buddhist teachings.

Logical Breakup
Option D is Correct: Buddhaghosa was a 5th-century scholar-monk based in the Mahavihara of Sri Lanka.
Logic 1: Nagarjuna (Option A) founded the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana.
Logic 2: Padmasambhava (Option B) is associated with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.
Logic 3: Vasubandhu (Option C) was a key figure in the Yogacara school.

Active Recall

Question

What are the three sections of the Visuddhimagga?

Answer

It is structured around Sila (Virtue), Samadhi (Concentration), and Panna (Wisdom).

Core Insight

Buddhaghosa's Visuddhimagga is the definitive handbook for Theravada meditation practices and remains the standard reference for clergy in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.