Religious history: Sthaviravadins, Lokottaravadins — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2020

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. The Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• In the second Buddhist Council held at Vaishali, the Buddhist order was split into two schools, namely:
  • sthaviravadins/Theravada and
  • Mahasangikas
• The Sthaviravadins followed strict monastic life and rigid disciplinary laws as originally prescribed.
• The group which followed a modified disciplinary rules was called the Mahasangikas.

Statement 2 is correct

• Lokottaravadins, Ekavyavaharikas, Kaukkutikas and Caitika are prominent offshoots of the Mahasanghika school.

Statement 3 is correct

• The Mahasanghikas played a significant role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism by emphasizing the divine and transcendental aspects of the Buddha, which laid the foundation for the Mahayana school’s belief in multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

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