With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?

The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style

Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas

Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

APEDIA

UPSC Prelims

2020 • 04 Oct, 2020 • Paper-1

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?

Correct Answer

Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

Buddhism and the Bodhisattva Concept: In Mahayana Buddhism, a central goal is to become a Bodhisattva—an enlightened being who delays entry into Nirvana out o......

💡 Analysis & Explanation

Buddhism and the Bodhisattva Concept ▼

In Mahayana Buddhism, a central goal is to become a Bodhisattva—an enlightened being who delays entry into Nirvana out of compassion, choosing to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

Definition of Paramitas ▼

To achieve the supreme state of a Bodhisattva, a practitioner must cultivate specific noble virtues to their absolute zenith. These transcendent virtues or supreme qualities are called 'Paramitas' (translated as 'perfections' or 'crossing over to the other shore').

The Perfections ▼

Traditionally, Mahayana texts list six paramitas: Dana (generosity), Sila (virtue/morality), Ksanti (patience), Virya (energy/effort), Dhyana (meditation), and Prajna (wisdom).

Conclusion ▼

Thus, 'paramitas' explicitly refer to the perfections required to travel the Bodhisattva path.

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With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?