With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?
UPSC CSE Pre. 2020
A. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style.
B. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas.
C. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path.
D. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India.
Answer: Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path.
Option c is the correct answer
Paramita in Mahayana Buddhism are perfections or virtues towards attainment of enlightenment.
Important Tips
In the Mahayana tradition, the path of a bodhisattva is described in terms of six paramitas:
Dana paramita: to cultivate the attitude of giving;
Sila paramita: refraining from harm;
Kshanti paramita: the ability not to be perturbed by anything;
Virya paramita: to find joy in what is virtuous, positive or wholesome;
Dhyana paramita: not to be distracted
Prajna paramita: the perfect discrimination of phenomena.
Solution (b)
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Fourth Council resulted into division of Buddhists into 2 major sects: Sarvastivadins and Mahasanghikas. Sthaviravadins formed part of Hinayanas.
Statement 2 is correct. The Mahasanghikas gave rise to the following sects: Ekavyaharikas, Lokottaravadins, Kukkutikas, Bahusrutiyas, Prajnapativadins, Chaitya-sailas, Apara-sailas, Uttara-sailas.
Statement 3 is correct. The Mahasanghikas believed in a plurality of buddhas who are supramundane (lokottara) and held that what passed for Gautama Buddha in his earthly existence was only an apparition. The Mahayana sect arose out from the Mahasanghikas worshipped idols of Buddha and his deity.