Question

Which, among the following, are correctly associated with the Mahayana Buddhist doctrines ? \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{The Mahayanists believed in the concept of Sunyata} B.& \ \text{The Mahayanists believed in the concept of Trikaya (three bodies)} C.& \ \text{The Mahayanists believed in the concept of Arhat} D.& \ \text{The Mahayanists believed in the concept of Bodhisattva} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B and C Only
• B. A, B and D Only
• C. B, C and D Only
• D. A, C and D Only

Hint:

Mahayana Buddhism is associated with: \[ \text{Sunyata, Trikaya, Bodhisattva} \] The Arhat ideal belongs mainly to Theravada Buddhism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Mahayana Buddhism emerged as an important branch of Buddhism emphasizing:
• universal salvation,
• compassion,
• Bodhisattva ideal,
• and philosophical developments. It differed significantly from Hinayana or Theravada traditions.

Step 1: Understanding the concept of Sunyata. \[ \text{Sunyata} \] Sunyata means emptiness or voidness and became a central doctrine of Mahayana philosophy, especially in Nagarjuna’s Madhyamika school. Thus: \[ A \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 2: Understanding the doctrine of Trikaya. \[ \text{Trikaya} \] The Trikaya doctrine explains the three bodies of Buddha:
• Dharmakaya,
• Sambhogakaya,
• Nirmanakaya. Thus: \[ B \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 3: Examining the concept of Arhat. \[ \text{Arhat} \] The Arhat ideal is primarily associated with Hinayana or Theravada Buddhism rather than Mahayana. Thus: \[ C \text{ is incorrect.} \]

Step 4: Understanding the Bodhisattva ideal. \[ \text{Bodhisattva} \] The Bodhisattva ideal is the most important characteristic of Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisattva postpones personal nirvana to help all beings attain liberation. Thus: \[ D \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 5: Selecting the correct combination. Correct statements are: \[ A, B \text{ and } D \] Hence: \[ \boxed{(2)\ A, B \text{ and } D \text{ Only}} \]

Step 6: Importance of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism contributed greatly to:
• Buddhist philosophy,
• sculpture,
• monastic culture,
• and the spread of Buddhism to East and Central Asia.