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

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Question

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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — 2 and 3 onlyStep-by-step Solution:Statement 1: Incorrect. Sthaviravadins ("Way of the Elders") belong to the early Buddhist schools (Theravada tradition), not Mahayana. ✗Statement 2: Correct. Lokottaravadin ("Transcendentalists") was a sub‑sect of the Mahasanghika school, known for the doctrine of the supramundane Buddha. ✓Statement 3: Correct. Mahasanghikas believed the Buddha was a transcendental, divine being, not merely a human. This view contributed to the development of Mahayana Buddhism. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A (1 and 2): Statement 1 false.Option C (3 only): Statement 2 also correct.Option D (1,2,3): Statement 1 false.Key Concept: The Second Buddhist Council (Vaisali) led to the first schism: Sthaviravadins vs Mahasanghikas. Mahayana emerged from Mahasanghika thought. Lokottaravadin texts include the Mahavastu. Theravada is the sole surviving Sthaviravada school.

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