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UPPCS Mains 2014

Life of the Buddha

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the events of Buddha's life is known as 'Mahabhinishkramana'?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept In Buddhist tradition, the life of Siddhartha Gautama is marked by several 'Great Events', each assigned a specific Sanskrit term and a visual symbol.

Explanation Mahabhinishkramana (The Great Departure) refers to the night when Prince Siddhartha left his palace, family, and wealth at the age of 29 to become a wandering ascetic. It is symbolized by the Horse.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. This act marks the beginning of his quest for the end of suffering.
Logic 2: His birth (B) is 'Janma'. His enlightenment (D) is 'Sambodhi' or 'Nirvana'. His death (A) is 'Maha Parinirvana'.

Active Recall

Question

What prompted the Mahabhinishkramana?

Answer

The 'Four Sights'—witnessing an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic—which led him to question the nature of suffering.

Core Insight

The Great Departure is celebrated as the ultimate act of renunciation, showing that material abundance cannot solve the existential problem of suffering.

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