Which of the following are the salient features of Mahayana Buddhism? (A) Worship of the Buddha image (B) Assimilation of local cults (C) The concept of the bodhisattva (D) Use of Pali for propagating Buddhism Choose the correct answer from the options give below:
(A), (B) and (C) only
Understanding Mahayana Buddhism Features
Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism (the other being Theravada). It emerged around the 1st century BCE or 1st century CE. Mahayana, meaning "Great Vehicle," emphasizes universal salvation and compassion for all beings. It introduced several new concepts and practices compared to earlier forms of Buddhism. Let's examine the given options to identify the salient features of Mahayana Buddhism.
Analysis of Mahayana Buddhism Characteristics
(A) Worship of the Buddha image
Early forms of Buddhism, particularly before the emergence of Mahayana, often used symbols (like the Bodhi tree, stupa, or Dharma wheel) to represent the Buddha. However, the worship of anthropomorphic Buddha images (statues and paintings) became a very prominent feature of Mahayana Buddhism. This practice helped devotees feel closer to the Buddha and his teachings.
Therefore, the worship of the Buddha image is a salient feature of Mahayana Buddhism.
(B) Assimilation of local cults
Mahayana Buddhism demonstrated a greater flexibility and adaptability in incorporating local deities, rituals, and beliefs into its practices as it spread across different regions (like East Asia and Tibet). This syncretic approach helped Mahayana gain popularity and integrate into diverse cultures, often identifying local gods as bodhisattvas or protectors of the Dharma.
Therefore, the assimilation of local cults is a salient feature of Mahayana Buddhism.
(C) The concept of the bodhisattva
A central and defining concept of Mahayana Buddhism is the Bodhisattva ideal. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who postpones their own final nirvana out of compassion to help all other sentient beings achieve enlightenment. This contrasts with the Arhat ideal, which is the focus in Theravada, where the goal is individual liberation. The path of the Bodhisattva involves developing profound wisdom and immense compassion over many lifetimes.
Therefore, the concept of the bodhisattva is a salient feature of Mahayana Buddhism.
(D) Use of Pali for propagating Buddhism
Pali is primarily the liturgical and scriptural language associated with Theravada Buddhism. The Tipitaka (Pali Canon), the main body of scripture for Theravada, is compiled in Pali. Mahayana texts, however, were largely written in Sanskrit, as well as various local languages as it spread across Asia. While some translations into Pali might exist, Pali was not the primary language for propagating Mahayana Buddhism.
Therefore, the use of Pali for propagating Buddhism is NOT a salient feature of Mahayana Buddhism.
Conclusion on Mahayana Features
Based on the analysis of each option:
- (A) Worship of the Buddha image: Yes
- (B) Assimilation of local cults: Yes
- (C) The concept of the bodhisattva: Yes
- (D) Use of Pali for propagating Buddhism: No
The features of Mahayana Buddhism among the given options are (A), (B), and (C).
| Feature | Mahayana Buddhism | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Worship of Buddha Image | Salient Feature | Prominent practice, development of Buddhist art. |
| Assimilation of Local Cults | Salient Feature | Flexible and syncretic as it spread. |
| Concept of Bodhisattva | Salient Feature | Central ideal of compassion and universal salvation. |
| Use of Pali | Not a Feature | Primarily associated with Theravada; Mahayana used Sanskrit and local languages. |
Revision Table: Mahayana Buddhism Key Points
| Aspect | Description in Mahayana |
|---|---|
| Ideal Goal | Bodhisattva (helping all beings achieve enlightenment) |
| Key Virtue | Compassion (Karuna) |
| Texts Language | Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan, etc. |
| Approach | More devotional, ritualistic, inclusive |
| Practices | Image worship, elaborate rituals, mantra recitation |
Additional Information: Mahayana vs. Theravada Buddhism
Understanding the differences between Mahayana and Theravada can further clarify the features. Theravada, meaning "Way of the Elders," is considered closer to the original teachings and practices of the Buddha historically. It is prevalent in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Mahayana is predominant in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam) and Tibet.
- Ideal: Theravada focuses on the Arhat ideal (personal enlightenment), while Mahayana focuses on the Bodhisattva ideal (enlightenment for all).
- Scriptures: Theravada uses the Pali Canon (Tipitaka). Mahayana has a vast collection of Sutras primarily in Sanskrit (like the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra).
- Buddha Concept: Mahayana often views the Buddha as a transcendental being and recognizes multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Theravada focuses primarily on Shakyamuni Buddha as a historical figure.
- Path: Theravada emphasizes monastic life and strict adherence to monastic rules for attaining enlightenment. Mahayana offers various paths to enlightenment suitable for monastics and laypeople, emphasizing faith, devotion, and compassion alongside wisdom.
The evolution of Buddhism into these schools reflects adaptation to different cultures and interpretations of the core teachings.
Important Questions from Emergence of heterodox sects - Teaching
The main dispute between the Digambara and the Shvetambara sects was due to the emphasis on the following:
Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer from the code given below the lists:
List - I
(Jain texts)
List - II
(Writers)
a) Kuvalayamala i) Dhanapala b) Samaraichchhakaha ii) Haribhadra c) Tilakamanjari iii) Somadeva d) Yasastilaka-champu iv) Udyotanasuri Who among the following was the first to become a Jaina nun?
Which of the following are true about the stupa?
(a) The Buddha had enjoined the erection of stupas over his ashes
(b) The custom of rearing stupas was pre-Buddhist
(c) The Jainas also erected this form of memorial in early times
(d) The extant Dhamekha stupa of Sarnath is one of the oldest
Choose the correct option:
Match List-I( Tirthankara ) with List-II ( Respective Cognisance [Lanchchhana ])
List I List II (a) Adinatha (i) Bull
(b) Mallinatha (ii) Pitcher (c) Mahavira (iii) Lion (d) Parsvanatha (iv) Serpent Select correct option:
