[Solved] Lalitavistara: The Full Biography of Gautama Buddha

Composition of the biography of the Buddha occupies a special place in Buddhist literature. Which one among the following is a full-fledged biography of the Buddha?

[CAPF 2014]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

In Buddhist literature, biographical texts vary from collections of birth stories (Jatakas) to philosophical dialogues and full narrative life accounts.

Authentic Source Evidence

Lalitavistara Sutra is a Mahayana text that chronicles the life of Buddha from his descent from Tushita heaven to his first sermon at Sarnath. Unlike fragmented stories, it provides a comprehensive narrative arc of his life.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Lalitavistara (Option A) is a complete biography detailing miracles and teachings.

Logic 2: Milinda Panho (Option B) is a philosophical dialogue between King Menander and Nagasena.

Logic 3: Sariputra-Prakarana (Option C) is a drama focusing on a disciple, not the Buddha’s full life.

Logic 4: Avadanasatka (Option D) is a collection of 100 legends about previous lives and deeds.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How does Lalitavistara differ from the Buddhacharita?"

While both are biographies, Lalitavistara is a Mahayana sutra often emphasizing the supernatural and miraculous, whereas Ashvaghosha’s Buddhacharita is a classical Sanskrit Mahakavya.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Lalitavistara serves as a primary scriptural source for the visual depictions of Buddha’s life in ancient relief sculptures like those at Borobudur."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Buddhacharita 2 Mahayana 6 Jataka Tales 6

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