The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition. This new way of thinking was called ________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Mahayana
Option (1) Hinayana — Incorrect. Hinayana, the ‘lesser vehicle’, is the name that the supporters of the new beliefs gave to the older tradition, which stressed self-effort in achieving nibbana.
Option (2) Mahayana — Correct. By the first century CE the idea of the Buddha as a saviour emerged, and the concept of the Bodhisatta developed – compassionate beings who used their merit to help others. The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition, and this new way of thinking was called Mahayana, literally the ‘great vehicle’.
Option (3) Theravadins — Incorrect. Theravadins is what the followers of the older tradition called themselves: those who followed the path of old, respected teachers, the theras. They did not adopt the new image worship.
Option (4) Neoyana tradition — Incorrect. There is no such tradition; the new way of thinking had a name of its own, 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’. Hinayana or Theravada? … 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.…” |