By the first century C.E., there is evidence of changes in Buddhist ideas and practices.
From the options given below, identify the practice which was part of this development.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → The concept of Bodhisatta developed.
Option (1) From first century C.E., great importance was given to self-effort in achieving ‘nibbana’. — Incorrect. This reverses the change. It was the early Buddhist teachings that had given great importance to self-effort in achieving nibbana; the new idea was of a saviour who could ensure salvation.
Option (2) Buddha was regarded as a great human being. — Incorrect. This too was the earlier view: the Buddha was regarded as a human being who attained enlightenment and nibbana through his own efforts. Gradually he came to be seen as a saviour.
Option (3) The images of Buddha were not worshipped. — Incorrect. In the new tradition, the worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of religious practice.
Option (4) The concept of Bodhisatta developed. — Correct. Simultaneously with the idea of a saviour, the concept of the Bodhisatta developed: deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts but used it to help others rather than to attain nibbana. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana.
NCERT (2026-27): “10.1 The development of Mahayana Buddhism … By the first century CE , there is evidence of changes in Buddhist ideas and practices. Early Buddhist teachings had given great importance to self-effort in achieving nibbana. Besides, the Buddha was regarded as a human being who attained enlightenment and nibbana through his own efforts. However, gradually the idea of a saviour emerged. It was believed that he was the one who could ensure salvation. Simultaneously, the concept of the Bodhisatta also developed. Bodhisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts but used this not to attain nibbana and thereby abandon the world, but to help others. The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana – literally, the ‘great vehicle’. Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the ‘lesser vehicle’.” |