Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara out of infinite compassion for others.Explanation
Mahayana scriptures (like the Lotus Sutra) define the Bodhisattva as the ultimate spiritual ideal, contrasting it with the Arhat of Hinayana who seeks personal liberation.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Bodhisattva concept is the hallmark of Mahayana ('The Great Vehicle'), not Hinayana.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct. The word literally means 'one whose essence is enlightenment' and is defined by Karuna (compassion).
Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct. A Bodhisattva makes a vow to reach Buddhahood only after helping all other beings achieve salvation first.