With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?
- A.The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
- B.Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
- C.Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
- D.Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path. In Mahayana Buddhism the paramitas are the perfect virtues a Bodhisattva practises on the way to Buddhahood.
Paramita means "gone beyond" or "perfection". Mahayana texts usually list six: dana (generosity), shila (moral conduct), kshanti (patience), virya (energy), dhyana (meditation) and prajna (wisdom); later lists add four more to make ten. A Bodhisattva is one who delays his own final release to help all beings, and he perfects these qualities over many lives. The Prajnaparamita Sutras, "the perfection of wisdom", are among the most important Mahayana texts, and the Jataka stories show the Buddha practising the perfections in his earlier births.
A is wrong: the earliest sutra-style law texts are the Dharmasutras, such as those of Gautama and Apastamba.
B is wrong: schools rejecting Vedic authority are called nastika, such as Buddhism, Jainism and Charvaka.
D is wrong: merchant guilds of the south were bodies such as the Ayyavole (Ainnurruvar) and Manigramam.
Exam tip: paramitas = six perfections of the Bodhisattva, from dana to prajna; Mahayana Buddhism.
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