Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
- The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation
Buddhism is majorly divided into Mahayana and Hinayana Sects. Hinayana, also called as Theravadins, accept as authoritative the Pali canon of ancient Indian Buddhism and trace their sectarian lineage back to the Elders, who followed in the tradition of the senior monks of the first Buddhist sangha, or community. Thus, Theravada is also called Sthaviravada. They don't belong to Mahayana Buddhism. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Lokottaravadins was one of the early Buddhist schools and was a branch of Mahasanghika sect. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Mahasanghika was the early Buddhist school in India that, in its views of the nature of the Buddha, was a precursor of the Mahayana tradition. The Mahasanghikas believed in a plurality of buddhas who are supramundane (lokottara). The two main aspects of the Buddha can be seen in Mahasaṃghika teachings: the true Buddha who is omniscient and omnipotent, and the manifested forms through which he liberates sentient beings through his skillful means (upaya). For the Mahasaṃghikas, the historical Gautama Buddha was merely one of these transformation bodies (nirmanakaya), while the essential real Buddha was equated with the Dharmakaya. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- Exam Year: 2020