Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Whom of the following did Gautam Buddha nominate for the leadership of Buddhist Sangha after his death?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Buddha famously refused to appoint a human successor, choosing instead to leave the community under the guidance of his teachings.Explanation
In the *Mahaparinibbana Sutta*, Buddha told Ananda: 'Let the Dhamma and the Vinaya (discipline) which I have taught and enjoined upon you be your teacher after I am gone.'Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct. There was no single nominated 'Head' or Pope of the Buddhist faith.
Logic 2: While Mahakassapa (B) presided over the First Council and Ananda (A) was his close companion, they were respected elders but not nominated 'leaders' of the global Sangha.