Question

Select the correct statements about Buddhist Texts and Philosophy.
(A). There is a description of six Pāramitās in Bodhicaryāvatāra
(B). Mādhymikas told that truth is of two kinds.
(C). Buddhacarita was composed by a great poet Kālidāsa
(D). Buddha personally composed the Tripiṭakas
(E). The third Buddhist council was held in Rājgir.

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

Hint:

Bodhicaryāvatāra = 6 Pāramitās, Madhyamika = Two Truths, Buddhacarita = Aśvaghoṣa, 3rd council = Pāṭaliputra.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Bodhicaryāvatāra.
Śāntideva's Bodhicaryāvatāra is a Mahāyāna text that enumerates the six Pāramitās: dāna, śīla, kṣānti, vīrya, dhyāna, and prajñā. This statement is correct.
Step 2: Madhyamika two truths.
Nāgārjuna's Madhyamika philosophy posits two levels of truth: samvṛti-satya (conventional truth) and paramārtha-satya (ultimate truth). This statement is entirely correct.
Step 3: Buddhacarita authorship.
The Buddhacarita was authored by Aśvaghoṣa, not Kālidāsa. Therefore, (C) is incorrect.
Step 4: Tripiṭaka authorship.
The Tripiṭaka was not written by Buddha himself; it was compiled by his disciples during councils. Therefore, (D) is incorrect.
Step 5: Third council.
The Third Buddhist Council convened in Pāṭaliputra during Aśoka's reign, not in Rājgṛha. This statement is incorrect.
Step 6: Conclusion.
Only (A) and (B) are correct.