Q. Which of the following statements with regard to Hinayana (Early / Orthodox) Buddhism is/are correct?
1.It focuses on individual liberation from the cycle of birth and death through self-discipline, meditation, and attainment of the Arhat state.
2.It actively promotes image worship and worship of the Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu through elaborate temple rituals.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Hinayana (often associated with Theravada) is the orthodox stream of Buddhism. Its primary goal is individual self-liberation (Nirvana) by achieving Arhatship through personal effort and strict adherence to the Eightfold Path.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Hinayana Buddhism rejects idol worship and the deification of the Buddha. In early Hinayana art and practice, the Buddha is represented exclusively through symbols (such as the Footprints, Bodhi Tree, Wheel of Law, and Stupa) rather than human images or devotional rituals (Bhakti), which became prominent later under Mahayana.
