Handout 6: Buddhism (Hinayana and Mahayana) PDF

Prelims Master Program (2024-25): Ancient, Medieval, Art and Culture Handout 6: Buddhism (Hinayana and Mahayana) Contents Sources.................................................................................................................................................... 2 Bu...

Prelims Master Program (2024-25): Ancient, Medieval, Art and Culture Handout 6: Buddhism (Hinayana and Mahayana) Contents Sources.................................................................................................................................................... 2 Buddha’s Life and Philosophy................................................................................................................. 2 (1) Conception and Birth................................................................................................................. 2 (2) Growing up................................................................................................................................. 2 (3) Great Departure......................................................................................................................... 2 (4) Enlightenment............................................................................................................................ 3 Buddhas’ Philosophy........................................................................................................................... 4 (5) 45 years of preaching................................................................................................................. 6 Buddhist Sangha................................................................................................................................. 6 Social Aspects of Buddhism................................................................................................................ 7 (6) Death at the age of 80 (Mahaparinivrana Sutta)....................................................................... 9 Buddhist Pali Literature.......................................................................................................................... 9 Spread of Buddhism.............................................................................................................................. 10 Buddhist Councils.................................................................................................................................. 11 S Buddhist Sects in India.......................................................................................................................... 12 IA Mahayana............................................................................................................................................. 13 Comparison between Hinayana and Mahayana sects.......................................................................... 14 P Sanskrit Literature................................................................................................................................. 15 U UPSC CSE PYQs...................................................................................................................................... 16 v el Le (Note: For Vajrayana and Decline of Buddhism, refer to the later notes.) 1 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Sources Budhda’s hagiographies (sacred biography) are contained in the Buddha Vamsha (Sutta Pitaka) and Vinaya Pitakas, but more detailed and connected accounts are given in later texts such as the Lalitavistara, Mahavastu, Buddhacharita (of Ashvaghosha), and Nidanakatha— all of which belong to the early centuries CE. Buddha’s relatives: Name – Siddhartha Tribe – Shakya Father – Shuddhodhan Birth mother – Mahamaya Foster mother – Gautami (also maternal aunt) 1. Off-springs: Sundari Nanda, Nanda Wife – Yashodhara Son – Rahul Buddha’s Life and Philosophy (1) Conception and Birth Conception: According to Buddhist tradition, Maya dreamt that an auspicious white elephant entered her S womb. IA Birth: Maya at mother’s place for delivery. On the way to Lumbini/Rummindei, Buddha was born. P On birth, Buddha took seven steps and lotus flowers U sprang up in his footsteps. Maya’s dream (Bharhut) el A wise astrologer Asita predicted that this child would be either a great emperor or a great religious leader. v Le (2) Growing up As per the chief priest's instructions to his father, he was kept sheltered from the outside world in a palace. His father provided all luxuries in palace. Siddhartha married to Yashodhara of Koliya tribe → son Birth of Buddha (Gandhara) Rahul. (3) Great Departure When he left the palace for the first time, he spotted 4 things which changed his life. o Charioteer Channa, Horse Kantaka. 2 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  o Four sights (Chattaro Mahanimitta) → old man, diseased/ill man, dead man (corpse) and a tranquil ascetic. Samvega: Internal struggle, sense of shock, dismay and spiritual urgency to reach liberation and escape from the suffering of samsara. Soon he woke up at night, decided to leave against the will of his father and live a life of wondering ascetic, as a renunciant. In his secret Piprahwa Stupa, Siddharthnagar departure, channa/chandaka (charioteer) and District, UP. It was excavated by kanthak (horse) accompanied him. William Claxton Peppé in 1890s. o Thus, Buddha’s quest for enlightenment began with his Mahabhinishkramana (‘Great Departure’) as he left through the eastern gate of the city of Kapilavastu and renounced his parents, wife, son and life as a prince of the Shakya lineage at the age of 29. o His son Rahul was born to him on the Buddha’s Departure very same day he left. (Gandahran style) (4) Enlightenment S Wandered for 6 years in search of true knowledge in the company of other saints. He IA attached himself to various teachers but was not satisfied by their instruction. So, he failed to find the truth. P U v el Le Sujata by Sujata offering Fasting Buddha Kshitindranath kheer to Buddha Mara Vijaya (Ajanta) Majumdar by Bhuwan Verma After realizing that meditative dhyana was the right path to awakening, Gautama discovered the Middle Way—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self- 3 indulgence and self-mortification. Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  At the age of 35, Siddhartha sat under a Pipal tree (Bo) at Uruwela, on the banks of Niranjana (present-day Phalgu). Finally, after 49 days (7 weeks) of meditation, he attained ‘Nirvana’ (enlightenment) and became the Buddha. First Sermon After his awakening, the Buddha met Taphussa and Bhallika — two merchant brothers from the city of Balkh in what is currently Afghanistan. They offered first alms to Buddha and became his first lay disciples (upasaka). Then Buddha dashed straight to Sarnath. There he gave the first sermon. (Dhammachakka Pavattana sutta). Buddha preached to Koundinya/Kondanna, Dharmachakra at the Buddha’s first sermon and his four colleagues. Deer Park, Sanchi (Sarnath style) Buddhas’ Philosophy S 4 Noble Truths (Chatvari Arya Satyani) o Everyone is unhappy (Dukkha) IA o There is cause (Dukkha Samudaya). P o Its desire (Dukkha Nirodha) U o Cessation path → magga (Dukkha Nirodha Gamini el Pratipada) Nibbana v o Nibbana (release from cycle of Le rebirth, ie samsara) could be attained in this life extinction of the "three fires/poisons"; passion (raga), aversion (dvesha) and ignorance (moha/avidya). o It doesn’t mean physical death. It is the state of the cessation of suffering. o Nibbana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Ashtangika Marg o Buddha identified the fourth Noble Truth with the Ashtangika Marga. Its 4 Page practice leads to Arhatship. 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  o The eight elements are not so much as prescriptions for behaviour but as qualities that are present in the mind of a person who has understood nirvana. Meaning Elements of 8-fold path for training Ethics Avoidance of non-virtuous Correct action, correct speech, and (Shila) deeds correct livelihood Concentration Correct effort, correct mindfulness, Control of the mind (Samadhi) and correct concentration Wisdom Development of insight into Correct view and correct intention (Panna) the nature of reality. Tilakkhana of existence: The idea is that human beings are subjected to delusion about existence of three marks and this delusion leads to suffering (dukkha). Removal of this delusion results in the end of suffering (dukkha). Aniccha (non-permanence) o It means that all things are in a constant state of flux. o That the human body is subject to change is empirically observable in the universal states of childhood, youth, maturity, and old age. Similarly, mental events come into being and dissolve. Sabam dukkha (due to Trishna) (tanha/desire) o As the First Noble Truth, dukkha is both physical and mental dissatisfaction of changing conditions as in birth, aging, illness, death. o It is also getting what one wishes to avoid or not getting what one wants. S Anatta (non-atman). IA o There is in humans no permanent, underlying substance that can be called the soul. P o Instead, the individual is compounded of five factors are constantly changing. U o It is a departure from the Hindu belief in atman. v el Pratitya Samutpada (law of causation, or law of dependant origination) Le Its a fundamental concept of Buddhism describing the causes of suffering and the course of events that lead a being through rebirth, old age, and death. This doctrine teaches that all phenomena arise in dependence and lack intrinsic being. o Existence is seen as a flux of events, material and psychical, without any real, permanent, independent existence of their own. 5 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  o These events happen in a series. The series is usually described as a chain of 12 links (nidanas, “causes”). Idea of God Buddhism acknowledges the existence of various deities (devas) in its cosmology. These deities are not permanent. They are also subject to the same law of karma, cycle of samsara as humans. However, Buddhism does not center around a creator God or an omnipotent deity. Buddha himself had remained silent when asked about the existence of God. (5) 45 years of preaching For the remaining 45 years of his life, he travelled in the Gangetic Plain (UP and Bihar), teaching a diverse range of people: from nobles to servants, murderers such as Angulimala, and cannibals such as Alavaka. Buddha/Disciples continued to live together as a community, wandering from place to place, living off the receipt of alms. o Fortnightly, at the time of the full and new moon (the uposatha days), followers of the Buddha would gather to reaffirm their sense of community and purpose by reciting their basic beliefs. o Continued to travel throughout the year, except during the four months of the Vassa rainy season when ascetics of all religions rarely traveled. The first vassana S was spent at Varanasi that is when the sangha was formed (at Sarnath). It was IA established as an order of monks (bhikkhus) and later for nuns (bhikkhunis). o Sangha is an important aspect of Buddhism and is one of the three refuges. P U Buddhist Sangha el Rules of Vinaya: v Monks and nuns follow Patimokkha rules of monastic discipline (Vinaya Pitaka) Le Parajaka are four most serious offences. Ceremonies in Sangha: Uposatha ceremony (fortnightly sangha meetings for observing Buddhist principles) Pavarana confession and atonement for offences by monks. Pravrajya ceremony to begin probation. Upasampada to finish probation and complete entry. (ordination) Sangha Polity: (based on Vinaya) The core principles of organization of Sangha are equality and democratic decision- 6 making. Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  o The monks elected their presiding officer for a meeting (Sanghaparinayaka), in charge of detecting unfair practices, such as voting twice or conducting a ballot without ensuring quorum. While the Sangha avoided strict hierarchies, senior monks and nuns (based on ordination age) held a position of respect. Disputes were resolved through discussion and arbitration, often relying on the Vinaya rules. If a resolution could not be reached, senior monks acted as mediators. As the Sangha practiced communal living, with no individual ownership of property. The Buddha did not appoint a successor or central authority. Social Aspects of Buddhism (1) Buddhist notion of Varna: The Buddhist tradition considered varna man-made and not divine. The Buddha’s doctrine was certainly more socially inclusive than the Brahmanical tradition, but it did not aim at abolishing social differences. There is some element of critique, and insistence that it is the person’s character is the true judge of the merit but there is also certain acceptance of reality. o Also, there were some restrictions on joining of soldier, slave and debtors without permission of king, master etc. (2) Women General portrayal own women: Women as wicked and creature of passion, patriarchal S idea. IA Yet two important features: o Nirvana was possible for women to achieve P o Buddha formed Bhikkhuni Sangha U ▪ Prajapati Gotami was the first woman allowed by Buddha to join el sangha. v Thus, by granting nuns (bikkhunis) an equal partnership in the sangha and important Le female lay followers a high status in its community, Buddhism, and Jainism too, had a strong influence on the social position of women in India. (Comment: A tradition’s progressiveness must be judged by the standards of its own time. There is no doubt that Buddha on stage of world religions is a moral icon on par Jesus.) 7 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  S IA P U v el Le 8 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  (6) Death at the age of 80 (Mahaparinivrana Sutta) His last days were at Kushinagar. He had a piece of meat (possibly) in the house of iron smith Chunda. Soon, he developed some sort of food poisoning or dysentery. Immediately after that, he got Mahaparinirvana. o "Whatever Dhamma and Vinaya I have pointed out and formulated for you, that will be your Teacher when I am gone." (Buddha in Mahaparinibbana Sutta) o The Buddha's final words: "All composite things are perishable. Strive for your own liberation with diligence." Vesaka – Buddha's birth, First sermon and Mahaparinirvana - all on the same day. Buddhist Pali Literature The tripitaka is a collection compiled at a council in Pataliputra in the 3rd c BCE, 300 years after the Buddha’s Parinibbana. It encompasses both the canonical and philosophical doctrines of the early Buddhism with Abhidhamma pitaka serving as the last of Pitakas. Vinaya Pitaka (Upali) Sutta Pitaka (Ananda) Abhidhamma S Pitaka IA Rules of the Sangha Buddha's teachings Philosophical aspect Suttavibhaga Digha, Majjhima, Samyukta, There are 7 books. P Khandhaka Anguttara, Khuddaka Of them, the most U a. Mahavagga Imp Sutta: DCP, MPN, Agganna, imp is Kathavattu by el b. Chullavagga Ambattha Mogaliputta Tissa. Parivara Khuddaka Nikaya v o Dhammapada, Le o Suttanipata, o Theri Gatha o Thera Gatha o Jataka Katha o Milind Panho o Nettiprakarana Other important works: ‘Dipavamsa’ and ‘Mahavamsa’: These were Sinhalese works written by Buddhist scholars in Sri Lanka, probably in the post-Mauryan era. 9 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Buddhaghoshala (at Anuradhapura Monastery): Vishuddhimagga, most important Theravada text outside Tripitaka Spread of Buddhism The spread of Buddhism from its origins in northern India to become a major world religion is a fascinating and complex story spanning century. Factors: The Buddha himself was the initial catalyst. His charismatic personality and compelling teachings attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, forming the early monastic community (Sangha). He travelled and taught extensively across northeastern India, laying the foundation for the Dhamma's spread. The universal message: Buddhism's focus on suffering and the path to liberation resonated with people across social and cultural boundaries. Its emphasis on ethical conduct, compassion, and non-violence appealed to many Missionary Zeal: Buddhist monks actively travelled as missionaries, establishing monasteries and translating texts into local languages. The Sangha played a crucial role in disseminating the teachings. Monasteries acted as centres of learning and practice, attracting new adherents and sending out monks to spread the Dharma. Royal support proved crucial in the spread of Buddhism. o Bimbisara, Ashoka, Menander I, Kanishka, Harsha, Pala kings S Trade Network: The Silk Road and maritime routes facilitated the spread of Buddhism. IA Monks and merchants travelled along these routes, carrying Buddhist ideas and practices to new lands. P Buddhism's success lay in its ability to adapt and incorporate local beliefs and cultures. U o It absorbed elements of existing belief systems while retaining its core principles. el It led to the emergence of distinct Buddhist traditions in different regions. v Artistic and architectural expressions of Buddhism, such as stupas, pagodas, and murals Le (e.g., the Ajanta Caves in India, the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan), facilitated its cultural appeal and symbolic power. Along with, Buddhism also faced challenges throughout its history. Different schools/sects of thought emerged, leading to disagreements and divisions. Sometimes, political leaders supported Buddhism, and at other times, they suppressed it. Buddhism also competed with other religions, sometimes peacefully and sometimes with conflict. 10 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Buddhist Councils Year Venue Patron King President Important Developments Immediately after death to 403 Maha preserve the teachings. BCE Rajgir Ajatashatru kashyapa Sutta (by Ananda) & Vinaya (by Upali) Pitakas were compiled. Disagreement over 10 Vinaya rules: Decision taken to not relax 386 them and censured the behavior of BCE Vaishali Kalashoka Sabakami the monks violating them. Thus, dispute was not settled satisfactorily → Sects. First schism in the Sangha. Sathviravadinas (minority): insisted on rigorous Mahasanghikas (majority): breakaway group which justified departure based on majority. Both went on to develop their own systems, each claiming to have preserved the true teachings of the Buddha. Gradually, the difference became wider than the Vinaya and about nature of Buddha. From that, 18 Nikaya schools emerged. Its object was to purify Buddhism, end corruption in Sangha and oust S 250 Patalipu Mogaliputta heretical views. IA Ashoka BCE tra Tissa Abhidhamma Pitaka was compiled (completion of Tripitaka) P Missionaries sent outside India U Still the differences are not solved. Gradually, they widen and then get consolidated into el two major streams. Thus emerged two separate northern and southern traditions – v Mahayana and Hinayana. Le Exclusive council of Sarvastivadins Kundalv Vasumitra (later Mahayana) 72 CE ana, Kanishka Ashvaghosha Abhidhamma texts, systematized Harwan and translated into Sanskrit. In response to a famine year in which 1st c Sri King many Buddhist monks died of BCE Lanka Valagamba starvation, there was threat to oral culture 11 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Buddhist Sects in India Chaitika (Ajanta, Karle) Lokottaravada (Mahavastu) Mahasamghika Kukkutika/ Gokulika Kashyapiya Ekavyavaharins Mula-Sarvastivadi Sarvastivada First Sangha Sautrantika Vaibhashika Theravada Vibhajjavada Sthaviravada S Dharmaguptaka IA Vatsiputriya P U Dharmottariya el Pudgalavada aka Sammitiya (Harsha era) v Bhadrayaniya Le Sannagarika 12 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Mahayana Although its origins remain obscure, the Mahayana movement arose within Buddhism around the beginning of the Common Era and soon emerged as the most dominant form of Buddhism in many parts of Asia. It is characterized by a grandiose cosmology, often complex ritualism, paradoxical metaphysics, and universal ethics. New ideas about Buddha o He is considered divine being. o Trikaya Doctrine ▪ Nirman/Rupa Kaya – Physical Buddha (Gautam Siddhartha) ▪ Sambhoga Kaya – Enjoyment/Bliss Buddha (with various Bodhisattvas) ▪ Dharma Kaya – Ultimate Reality Shunyata o Mahayana thought radically extended the idea of pratitya samutpada, the idea that nothing has an essence and that the existence of each thing is dependent on the existence of other things. It is referred to as emptiness (shunyata). Bodhisattva: An important concept in Mahayana o Central to Mahayana ideology is the idea of the bodhisattva. Mahayana teaches that anyone can aspire to achieve become a bodhisattva. o The bodhisattvas seek to understand this reality through wisdom (prajna) and to actualize it through compassion (karuna). ▪ They have got Nirvana but refuse Parinirvana. Instead, they decide to stay S in the world to guide others on the path to Nirvana. IA ▪ Reason: Maha-Karuna and thus self-sacrifice P Doctrine o Early Buddhism: Ashtanga-marga U o Mahayana: Accepted faith and grace. el ▪ Six Paramita (Perfection) v Central to a bodhisattva’s practice Le 6 – Generosity (dana), Morality (shila), Patience (kshanti), Courage (virya), Meditation (samadhi), Wisdom (prajna) Later 4 – skilfulness in means (upaya-kaushalya), determination (pranidhana), power (bala), and knowledge (jnana). ▪ Thus: Punya → Prajna → Nirvana ▪ Ten Bhumis (stations): Stages of spiritual progress of Bodhisattva Some important Bodhisattvas: o According to Mahayana, there are not only an infinite number of bodhisattvas in the universe but also an infinite number of buddhas, each dwelling in his own 13 world-realm. Some Bodhisattvas: Page ▪ Avalokiteshvara Padmapani 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  ▪ Vajrapani ▪ Manjushri ▪ Maitreya ▪ Amitabha ▪ Vairochana ▪ Dipankara ▪ Akashagarbha and Kshitigarbha ▪ Samatabhadra The development of this cosmology marked the space for multiple objects of veneration. Thus, Mahayana devotion generated a vibrant array of visual art, with sculptures and paintings often seen as themselves empowered to aid believers. Comparison between Hinayana and Mahayana sects Hinayana Mahayana Conservatives. Don’t want to Progressive and liberal. Change with time. change. Buddha – a guide/teacher who came Buddha – god. God takes you to the destination, to this world to show path. You must give you success. trace the path yourself. Highest aim – to get Nirvana Highest aim – to become Bodhisattva S Worship of idols started. Developments of Symbolic representation of Buddha IA Gandhara, Mathura styles. Language – Pali Language – Sanskrit P Region - South India, SE Asia Region - North, Afgh/Central Asia, China to Japan U Subsects and personalities el Madhyamaka – Nagarjuna. Doctrine of v Imp thinkers – Buddhaghoshala Shunyavada Le Yogachara – Asanga, Vasubandhu, Sthrimati, Dharmakirti (chittamatra, mind only) Texts: Tripitaka Texts: various Sutras Great Patron – Ashoka Great Patron – Kanishka 14 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Sanskrit Literature Buddhist used many languages in ancient times; Pali, Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit, and Sanskrit. The Mahayana preferred Sanskrit literature. From about 1st c, there was the beginning of classical Sanskrit for Buddhist and the first known great poet is Ashvaghosha. Biographical Mahakavyas a. Ashvaghosha: i. Buddhacharita ii. Saundarananda Various Sutras: Lalitvistara, Prajnaparamita Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Diamond Sutra, Heart Sutra, Amitabha Sutra, various Agamas a. Lalitavistara: Lalitavistara is one of the holiest of the Sanskrit literature. Avadanas (apadana in Pali) are collection of narrative stories of past life of Buddha. a. Divyavadana is a famous avadana with 38 stories. b. Mahavastu is the most famous work in Sanskrit which has been restored from its Chinese translation. Jataka stories, that is, stories about episodes occurring in a past life of the Buddha, arguably constitute a subset of the avadana genre. a. In Sanskrit language jataka collection, the most famous is Aryasura’s Jatakamala. b. Through these stories, dana-karuna-shila etc ethical virtues are explained. Nataks S a. Ashvaghosha IA i. Sariputraprakarana ii. Vajrasuchi P b. Lokanand by Chandrabhumi U c. Nagananda by Harsha (king) el Stotra v a. Gandi-Stotra-Gatha is the oldest one. Its author is possibly Ashvaghosha as per its Le Chinese translation. b. Matrucheta of the 2nd c CE is famous stotrakar in Buddhism. Best stotras in Sanskrit. c. Nagarjuna (2nd c Philosopher) wrote Chatuhstava (4 stotras) d. Chandrabhumi (grammarian and poet) composed Shishyalekha. e. Dignaga (philosopher) composed Mishraka Stotra. f. Dharmakirti composed Buddha-Parinirvana Stotra. g. King Harsha composed two stotras 15 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  UPSC CSE PYQs Q. Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the king Meander and the Buddhist monk (a) Nagasena (b) Nagarjuna (c) Nagabhatta (d) Kumarilabhatta Q. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisatva Avalokiteswera was also known as (a) Vajrapani (b) Manjusri (c) Padmapani (d) Maitreya Q. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? 1. Lothal: Ancient dockyard 2. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha 3. Rajgir: Lion capital of Ashoka 4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 S Q. The concept of Eight-Fold path forms the theme of IA (a) Dipavamsa (b) Divyavadana (c) Mahaparinirvan Sutta (d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta P U Q. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign el of Kanishka at Kashmir? v (a) Parsva (b) Nagarjuna Le (c) Sudraka (d) Vasumitra Q. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the: Occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya. Confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season. Ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and when yellow robes are offered. 16 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]  Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full-moon day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed abode for the next four months of the rainy season. Q. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara (c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory (d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context Q. Which one of the following best describes the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? (a) The extinction of the flame of desire. (b) The complete annihilation of self. (c) A state of bliss and rest. (d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension. Q. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below. S (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 IA (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 P Q. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? U el 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara v 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Le Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path 17 to it. Which of the statements given above are correct? Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected] (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary but existed forever in a latent form. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara (c) Maitreya (d) Padmapani Q. Consider the following: Deification of the Buddha Treading the path of Bodhisattvas Image worship and rituals S Which of the above is/ are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism? IA (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 P U Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: el 1. Parivrajaka: Renunciant and Wanderer 2. Shramana: Priest with a high status v 3. Upasaka: Lay follower of Buddhism Le Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? (a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style (b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path 18 (d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected] Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Q. With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha S IA P U v el Le 19 Page 3rd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Ph: 08045248491, 7041021151 | Email: [email protected]