With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
UPSC CSE Pre. 2016
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Option b is the correct answer
Statement 1 is incorrect. Bodhisattva, one who seeks Enlightenment for the sake of all beings is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not Hinayana.
Statement 2 is correct. A bodhisattva is someone who has compassion within himself or herself and who is able to make another person smile or help someone suffer less.
Statement 3 is correct. Bodhisattvas are usually depicted as less austere or inward than the Buddha. Renouncing their own salvation and immediate entrance into nirvana, they devote all their power and energy to saving suffering beings in this world.