Assertion: Buddha advised kings and gahapatis to be humane and ethical.
Reason: The Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The Buddha's perspective on the social world was that it was a creation of humans rather than a divine origin. Consequently, he advised both kings and gahapatis (householders) to practice compassion and uphold ethical values. The transformation of social relations was believed to stem from individual efforts.
The Buddha laid great emphasis on individual agency and righteous actions as the means to liberate oneself from the cycle of rebirth, achieve self-realization, and attain nibbana, signifying the extinguishing of ego and desire. For those who renounced the world, this liberation would bring an end to the cycle of suffering.
According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha's parting words to his followers were, "Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation." This profound message encourages self-reliance and personal responsibility for the pursuit of spiritual liberation.