Practicing Success
As the first century CE unfolded, glimpses of transformation in Buddhist concepts and rituals became evident. In the earlier phases, profound significance was attached to individual effort in attaining nibbana. The Buddha was perceived as a human who achieved enlightenment and nibbana through his personal endeavors. Yet, a gradual shift towards the notion of a savior materialized. This transition introduced the belief that the Buddha was the ultimate source of salvation. |
What term was used to describe the new ideological path of Buddhism that emerged in the first century CE? Choose the correct answer from the given options: |
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This new ideological trajectory was coined "Mahayana," signifying the "great vehicle." Those who embraced these beliefs coined the earlier tradition as "Hinayana" or the "lesser vehicle." Proponents of Mahayana saw adherents of the earlier tradition as practitioners of Hinayana. Conversely, followers of the older path referred to themselves as "theravadins," indicating their commitment to the teachings of venerable teachers, or "theras." |