Which of the following statements are not correct? (A) Vinay Pitaka does not describe the rules for monks. (B) Buddhism grew only after the death of Buddha. (C) Sutta Pitakaare the verses composed by bhikkunis. (D) Punna was a rich land-lady. (E) The word Chaitya may have been derived from the word chita. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
(B), (D) and (E) only
Analyzing Statements on Buddhist Texts and History
The question asks us to identify which of the given statements about Buddhism are not correct. We will examine each statement individually to determine its accuracy based on common understanding of Buddhist texts and history, and then compare this with the provided correct option.
Statement Analysis
Let's break down each statement:
- (A) Vinay Pitaka does not describe the rules for monks. The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka, the Buddhist scriptures. It is specifically dedicated to the rules and regulations governing the monastic order (Sangha), which includes monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis). Therefore, this statement asserts something contrary to the actual content of the Vinaya Pitaka.
- (B) Buddhism grew only after the death of Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha during his lifetime. He then spent many years teaching and gathering disciples, establishing the Sangha. While Buddhism spread significantly after his Mahaparinirvana (death), it certainly began to grow and gain followers during his life. This statement claims the growth happened "only" after his death, which is inaccurate.
- (C) Sutta Pitaka are the verses composed by bhikkunis. The Sutta Pitaka is the collection of discourses attributed to the Buddha and some of his close disciples. While there are sections within the Sutta Pitaka, such as the Therigatha (Verses of the Elder Nuns), that contain verses composed by bhikkunis, the entire Sutta Pitaka is not composed solely or primarily by bhikkunis. Its main content is the Buddha's teachings. This statement oversimplifies and misrepresents the contents of the Sutta Pitaka.
- (D) Punna was a rich land-lady. In early Buddhist texts, figures named Punna (or Purna) are mentioned, including a notable merchant disciple (Purna Maitrayaniputra or Punna Mantaniputta) who was known for preaching the Dharma. The description "rich land-lady" does not align with the commonly known prominent disciples named Punna in the Buddhist tradition.
- (E) The word Chaitya may have been derived from the word chita. A Chaitya is a Buddhist shrine or prayer hall, often housing a stupa. A 'chita' refers to a funeral pyre or cremation ground. Stupas were originally mounds built over the relics of the Buddha and later other revered individuals. There is a widely discussed etymological connection between 'Chaitya' and 'chita', suggesting that these sacred sites might have originated from or are associated with cremation grounds where relics were found. This statement proposes a possible derivation that is supported by scholarly interpretations.
Identifying Statements Considered Not Correct
Based on the provided correct option, the statements considered "not correct" are (B), (D), and (E).
- Statement (B): "Buddhism grew only after the death of Buddha" is not correct. This aligns with historical fact that it grew during his lifetime.
- Statement (D): "Punna was a rich land-lady" is not correct. This aligns with the lack of a prominent figure named Punna described as a rich landlady in main Buddhist texts.
- Statement (E): "The word Chaitya may have been derived from the word chita" is considered not correct as per the provided answer key, despite scholarly views suggesting a possible connection. This means, according to the source of this question, this proposed derivation is considered false or incorrect.
Statements (A) and (C) are not listed in the provided correct option, implying they are considered "correct" statements within the context of this question, even though factually:
- Statement (A) is factually not correct because the Vinaya Pitaka *does* describe rules for monks.
- Statement (C) is factually not correct because the Sutta Pitaka is not solely composed of verses by bhikkunis.
However, adhering strictly to the provided correct option, only (B), (D), and (E) are identified as statements that are not correct.
Conclusion
The statements identified as not correct, based on the provided correct option, are (B), (D), and (E).
| Statement | Content Summary | Considered 'Not Correct' (Based on Provided Answer) |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | Vinaya Pitaka rules for monks | No |
| (B) | Buddhism growth timeline | Yes |
| (C) | Sutta Pitaka composition | No |
| (D) | Punna's identity | Yes |
| (E) | Chaitya/Chita derivation | Yes |
Revision Table: Key Buddhist Terms
| Term | Meaning | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Tripitaka | "Three Baskets"; the traditional collection of Buddhist scriptures. | Includes Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka. |
| Vinaya Pitaka | Collection of monastic rules. | Essential for the conduct of monks and nuns. |
| Sutta Pitaka | Collection of discourses (suttas) of the Buddha. | Contains the core teachings of Buddhism. |
| Bhikkhu/Bhikkhuni | Buddhist monk / Buddhist nun. | Members of the monastic community (Sangha). |
| Chaitya | A Buddhist shrine, temple, or assembly hall. | Often houses a stupa or is a place of worship. |
| Stupa | A mound-like structure containing relics, typically of the Buddha or revered figures. | Central object of veneration in Chaityas. |
Additional Information on Buddhist Scriptures and Sites
The Tripitaka is the foundational scripture collection for Theravada Buddhism and is also recognized by other schools. It was compiled after the Buddha's death through councils where his disciples recited his teachings and the monastic rules.
- The Vinaya Pitaka sets out the code of conduct for the Sangha, detailing rules for ordination, daily life, and communal harmony.
- The Sutta Pitaka contains the main sermons and teachings of the Buddha on various aspects of the Dharma. It is divided into five Nikayas (collections).
- The third pitaka is the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which contains philosophical and psychological analysis of the Dharma.
Chaityas and Stupas are important architectural elements in Buddhist history and practice. Early stupas were reliquaries, and Chaityas evolved as places to gather and venerate these stupas. Their forms and functions developed over centuries across different regions where Buddhism spread.
Important Questions from Vedic and later Vedic periods
Which one among the following may not be called the non-vedic upanishada?
The veda which deals with the rituals is known as________
As per Vedic Literature how many loans are there in humans life?
- Which of the following are features of later vedic period :
(i) Atharveda refers to leading river water channels.
(ii) First reference of money lending occurs in Shatapata Brahmana.
(iii) Rice was the Staple food.
(iv) Weaving was practised on wide circle scale. - Recitation of Veda mantra has been initiated with -
