Adherents of the earlier Buddhist tradition, whom Mahayana supporters linked with Hinayana, had their own name for themselves. What did that name indicate?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Those who followed the path of old, respected teachers
Option (1) Those who followed the path of old, respected teachers — Correct. The followers of the older tradition called themselves <strong>theravadins</strong>. The name means those who followed the path of old, respected teachers, the <strong>theras</strong>.
Option (2) Those who worshipped images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas — Incorrect. Worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas grew as part of the <strong>new</strong> Mahayana tradition, after the older one.
Option (3) Those who used their merit to help others — Incorrect. Using one's merit to help others describes the Bodhisattas. This is a Mahayana idea.
Option (4) Those who looked to the Buddha as a saviour — Incorrect. The idea of the Buddha as a saviour who could ensure salvation grew later, with Mahayana. Early teachings stressed self-effort instead.
NCERT (2026-27): “10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism … “Supporters of Mahayana regarded other Buddhists as followers of Hinayana. However, followers of the older tradition described themselves as theravadins, that is, those who followed the path of old, respected teachers, the theras.” |