Which of the following statements with regard to the Mahasanghika school of Buddhism is/are correct? 1. Advocated the deification of the Buddha viewing him as a supramundane entity. 2. Prohibited the entry of lay followers into monastic complexes and restricted religious discourse to Sanskrit texts. 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 Mahasanghikas introduced relaxed rules and doctrinal innovations, deifying the Buddha as a transcendental figure and promoting the Bodhisattva path over the individual Arhat goal, influencing the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Mahasanghika school was inclusive and liberal (Greater Community). It welcomed lay patronage and did not restrict discourse to Sanskrit texts.