Which among the following statements is not true about ‘Bodhisattas’?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → ‘Bodhisattas’ used merit to attain nibbana and thereby embrace the world
As Buddhism changed, the Buddha came to be seen as a saviour, and the idea of the Bodhisatta developed with it. Bodhisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts but used it not to attain nibbana and thereby abandon the world, but to help others. The worship of images of the Buddha and the Bodhisattas became an important part of this new tradition, called Mahayana. Options (1), (2) and (4) are true.
Option (3) turns this around. NTA kept the sentence and swapped ‘abandon’ for ‘embrace’, dropping the ‘not’ on the way. Two small changes, and the whole idea is reversed.
NCERT (2025-26): “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.…” |