With the reference to the Religious history of India, consider the following statement:

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana Sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is the 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?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The concept of Bodhisattva is the result of Mahayana Buddhism.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct

• Bodhisattva is the one who has generated Bodhicitta (a spontaneous wish and a compassionate mind) to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
  • Rather than Nirvana, Mahayana sect instead aspires for Buddhahood via the bodhisattva path, a state wherein one remains in the cycle of rebirth to help other beings to reach awakening.

• A bodhisattva seeks complete enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. A bodhisattva who has accomplished this goal is called a Samyaksaṃbuddha.
• On the path to becoming a Buddha, a bodhisattva proceeds through ten grounds or bhumis, namely Great Joy, Stainless, luminous, radiant, very difficult to train, obviously transcendent, gone afar, immovable, Good discriminating wisdom, and Cloud of Dharma. By passing these 10 bhumis, he becomes an enlightened one.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium