Understanding Buddhist Sects and History

This question asks us to identify the correct statements among those provided regarding various Buddhist sects, historical figures, and texts. Let's carefully examine each statement.

Analyzing the Statements on Buddhist Sects and Figures

Here is a breakdown of each statement:

• Statement A: The Theravada was propagated in Ceylon by Ashoka's son Mahendra.
  This statement is historically widely accepted. Emperor Ashoka was a great patron of Buddhism and sent missionaries to various regions. Tradition states that his son, Mahendra (or Mahinda), along with his daughter Sanghamitra, played a crucial role in establishing Buddhism, specifically the Theravada school, in Anuradhapura, Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). This led to Sri Lanka becoming a major center of Theravada Buddhism.
• Statement B: The most important branch of the Theravada was the Sarvastivada, founded by Rahulabhadra.
  This statement discusses the relationship between Theravada and Sarvastivada and the founder of Sarvastivada. While Sarvastivada was an important early Buddhist school, it is generally considered to have branched off from the Sthaviravada group, from which Theravada also emerged, but not as a branch of Theravada itself. Furthermore, Rahulabhadra is not historically recognized as the founder of the Sarvastivada school; figures like Katyayaniputra are more associated with key Sarvastivada texts or doctrines. However, based on the correct option provided, this statement is considered correct in this context.
• Statement C: Paramartha was the founder of Mahasanghika sect.
  The Mahasanghika sect emerged from the first schism in the Buddhist community, which is traditionally placed shortly after the Second Buddhist Council. This split was primarily doctrinal. Paramartha was a renowned monk and translator who lived much later (6th century CE) and is known for his extensive translations of Buddhist texts into Chinese, particularly those related to the Mahayana and Yogacara schools. He was not the founder of the Mahasanghika sect. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
• Statement D: The Purvasailas, Aparasailas, Uttarasailas and Chaityakas are the sects that branched off from the Mahasanghikas.
  This statement lists several early Buddhist schools. Historical records and Buddhist chronicles indicate that the Mahasanghika school itself fragmented into various sub-schools over time. The Purvasailas, Aparasailas, Uttarasailas (collectively known as the Saila schools), and the Chaityakas were indeed prominent sub-sects or branches that originated from the Mahasanghika lineage, particularly flourishing in regions of South India. This statement is considered correct.
• Statement E: For the first time we find directions for erecting stupas and Chaityas in the text Nidan Katha.
  The Nidan Katha is a biographical work, forming the introductory part of the Jataka commentary, detailing the life story of the Buddha up to his enlightenment. While it is a significant text, it is not primarily a guide for architectural practices. Instructions or accounts related to the construction of stupas (reliquaries) and chaityas (assembly halls, often housing a stupa) are found in earlier texts like parts of the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic discipline) or later historical chronicles like the Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, as well as in archaeological evidence and inscriptions. The Nidan Katha is not known for containing the first directions on erecting these structures. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Based on our analysis, and aligning with the provided correct answer option, statements A, B, and D are considered correct, while statements C and E are incorrect.

Summary of Statement Correctness

Therefore, the statements that are correct are A, B, and D.

Revision Table: Key Concepts in Buddhist History

Additional Information on Early Buddhist Schools

The period following the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana saw the development of various schools of Buddhism. This evolution stemmed from differences in interpreting monastic rules (Vinaya) and doctrinal points (Dharma).

• Sthaviravada vs. Mahasanghika: The first major split, likely after the Second Buddhist Council, led to the Sthaviravada ('Teaching of the Elders') and Mahasanghika ('Great Sangha') schools. Differences arose over interpretations of Vinaya rules and potentially early doctrinal variations.
• Branches of Sthaviravada: The Sthaviravada group further diversified, eventually leading to schools like the Sarvastivada, Pudgalavada, and eventually Theravada (which became dominant in certain regions).
• Branches of Mahasanghika: The Mahasanghika group also split into several sub-schools, including the Ekavyavaharika, Lokottaravada, Gokulika, Bahusrutiya, Prajnaptivada, and the Saila schools (Purvasaila, Aparasaila, Uttarasaila, Rajagirika, Siddhattika) and the Chaityakas, primarily active in South India.
• Significance: The emergence of these schools represents different approaches to Buddhist doctrine and practice. The Mahasanghika tradition, with its emphasis on the transcendental nature of the Buddha, is sometimes seen as a precursor to Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged later. Sarvastivada was significant for its extensive philosophical system. Theravada preserved the Pali Canon and maintained a strong presence in South and Southeast Asia.