Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 and 3 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Statement 1 is incorrect: The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism (the 'Bodhisattvayana'), whereas Hinayana/Theravada prioritizes the Arhat ideal of individual liberation.
- Statement 2 is correct: A Bodhisattva is a compassionate being striving toward full Buddhahood.
- Statement 3 is correct: Out of boundless compassion (karuna), a Bodhisattva vows to remain in samsara to assist all other beings before entering final Nirvana.
Eliminating Statement 1 (Bodhisattva is synonymous with Mahayana, not Hinayana) immediately leaves (b) as the only possible answer.
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