Previous Year Question

1. Deification of the Buddha — Correct. Mahayana Buddhism developed a conception of Buddhahood that went considerably beyond Gautama Buddha merely as a historical human teacher. Transcendent and cosmic dimensions of Buddhahood became prominent, together with the devotional importance of multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

The word “deification” needs qualification. It does not mean that the Buddha became a creator-God. Rather, the UPSC statement refers to the development of transcendent Buddhahood and devotional veneration beyond the idea of the Buddha merely as a historical teacher.

2. The Bodhisattva path — Correct. The Bodhisattva ideal became one of the defining features of Mahayana. A Bodhisattva seeks Buddhahood while acting for the liberation and welfare of sentient beings, with wisdom and compassion occupying a central place and the cultivation of the Paramitas forming part of the path.

The original Sanskrit Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra (Lotus Sutra) opens with a vast assembly of Bodhisattvas, including Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya, described in relation to progress towards supreme perfect enlightenment. It provides direct textual evidence for the centrality of the Bodhisattva ideal.

3. Image worship and rituals — Correct. With the development of Mahayana, representations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, devotional practices, prayer and ritual acquired considerable importance in Buddhist religious life.

The archaeological and artistic record of Ajanta provides a useful example. IGNCA documentation identifies Buddha-veneration scenes, numerous seated Buddha images and Bodhisattva representations associated with the Mahayana phase of the caves.