Which of the following statements with regard to Mahayana Buddhism is/are correct? 1. Advocates Bodhisattva ideal, encouraging followers to postpone their personal liberation to work for the salvation of all sentient beings. 2. Mahayana deified the Buddha, treating him as a transcendental, divine being. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The hallmark of Mahayana (Great Vehicle) is the Bodhisattva ideal—one who seeks enlightenment out of compassion (Karuna) for all living beings, delaying final entry into Nirvana until all are saved.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Mahayana deified the Buddha, treating him as a transcendental, divine being (Trikaya theory) and actively introduced image worship, elaborate rituals, devotional offerings, and temples.