Mahayana Buddhism, which developed several centuries after the Buddha's death, represents a major branch of Buddhism distinct from Theravada (often referred to as Hinayana by Mahayanists). 1. Deification of the Buddha: Mahayana schools tend to view the Buddha not merely as an enlightened human being but often as a transcendent or divine figure, with multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas existing. 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas: The ideal path in Mahayana is that of the Bodhisattva – an enlightened being who compassionately delays their own final nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment. This contrasts with the Theravada ideal of the Arhat, who achieves personal liberation.
Consider the following : 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
Asked in UPSC IAS 2019 · Topic: Buddhism (Major Schools of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana (origins and characteristics))
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