Question

Select the correct statements about Buddhist Philosophy.
(A). Four Pāramitās are described in Buddhist Philosophy.
(B). There is a description of three truths only in Āryasatyas.
(C). Prajñā is only the final Pāramitā.
(D). The concept of Bodhisattvas is visible in Mahāyāna Buddhist Tradition only.
(E). There is an importance of Prakṛti in Buddhist Philosophy.

• (C) and (A) only
• (B) and (A) only
• (C) and (D) only
• (B) and (C) only

Hint:

Mahāyāna = Bodhisattva vāda + Prajñāpāramitā; Theravāda = Arhat mārga + Four Noble Truths.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: About Pāramitās.
In Buddhism, "Pāramitā" refers to perfections or virtues. Theravāda tradition lists six Pāramitās, while Mahāyāna tradition lists ten. There is no mention of "four" Pāramitās in Buddhist philosophy. Therefore, statement (A) is incorrect.
Step 2: About Āryasatyas.
The Buddha taught the four Āryasatyas: duḥkha (suffering), duḥkhasamudaya (origin of suffering), duḥkhanirodha (cessation of suffering), and mārga (path to cessation). The mention of "three truths" here is incorrect. Therefore, statement (B) is incorrect.
Step 3: Prajñā as the final Pāramitā.
In Mahāyāna Pāramitās, Prajñā (wisdom) is considered the final and most important. This statement is entirely correct.
Step 4: Bodhisattva Concept.
The Bodhisattva doctrine is a specialty of Mahāyāna. Theravāda primarily focuses on the Arhat ideal. Therefore, the Bodhisattva concept belongs exclusively to Mahāyāna. This statement is correct.
Step 5: Role of Prakṛti.
The concept of Prakṛti is not a subject in Buddhist philosophy; it is related to Sāṅkhya philosophy. Therefore, statement (E) is incorrect.
Step 6: Conclusion.
Only statements (C) and (D) are correct.