Consider the following statements: 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Trading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation

The emergence of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana sect of Buddhism, which emerged during the fourth council of Buddhism held in 1st century A.D at Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka. Bodhisattvas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts but used this not to attain Nibbana and thereby abandon the world but to help others. The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas became an important part of this tradition. Hence all the statements are correct.