Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following: 1. Deification of the Buddha. 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas. 3. Image worship and rituals. Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Mahayana (The Greater Vehicle) introduced a more devotional and accessible form of Buddhism compared to the earlier Hinayana school.Explanation
During the Kanishka era, the transformation of Buddha from a teacher to a God (Deification) became prominent. This period saw the rise of the Bodhisattva ideal and the creation of Buddha idols (Gandhara/Mathura art).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: All three features are correct. Mahayana promotes the 'Bodhisattva' who delays nirvana to save others.
Logic 2: Unlike Hinayana, which focused on symbols (Stupas/Footprints), Mahayana adopted elaborate rituals and anthropomorphic image worship.