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?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of early Buddhist sectarian developments that led to the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahasanghika sect played a crucial role in the evolution of Mahayana through its liberal doctrinal approach and deification of Buddha.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Sthaviravadins (Theravadins) belong to Theravada Buddhism, not Mahayana Buddhism. They represent the conservative orthodox school that emphasized strict adherence to monastic discipline and original teachings.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Lokottaravadin sect was indeed an offshoot of the Mahasanghika school. The term 'Lokottaravada' means 'transcendentalist doctrine,' believing that Buddha was supramundane (lokottara) and not bound by worldly laws.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The Mahasanghikas' progressive views, including the deification and transcendental nature of Buddha, directly contributed to the doctrinal foundation of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasized the Bodhisattva ideal and multiple Buddhas.
📝 Short Notes: Early Buddhist Schools and Mahayana Development
| Aspect | Sthaviravadins (Theravada) | Mahasanghikas |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | 'Doctrine of Elders' | 'Great Assembly' |
| Nature | Conservative, orthodox | Liberal, progressive |
| View of Buddha | Human teacher who attained enlightenment | Transcendental, supramundane being |
| Monastic Rules | Strict adherence to Vinaya | More flexible interpretation |
| Contribution | Preserved early teachings; led to Theravada | Doctrinal innovations; fostered Mahayana |
| Key Offshoots | Various Theravada schools | Lokottaravadins, Prajñaptivadins |
- First Buddhist Council (483 BCE): Held at Rajagriha after Buddha's death; compiled teachings but seeds of disagreement emerged.
- Second Buddhist Council (383 BCE): Held at Vaishali; major split between Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas over monastic discipline.
- Lokottaravadins: Believed Buddha possessed infinite powers, infinite lifespan, and was never truly bound by physical limitations.
- Mahayana Evolution: Emerged around 1st century BCE-CE, building on Mahasanghika concepts of Buddha's transcendence, multiple Buddhas, and the Bodhisattva path.
- Theravada Today: Survives in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos as the only surviving school of early Buddhism.
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