Question

Answer all the questions given under caption.

The split in Buddhism

1. Who initiated reforms in the way Buddhism was being followed?
2. What was the result?
3. What is the lesser vehicle?
4. What is a Greater vehicle?

Answer 1

1. During the reign of Kanishka, the Buddhist monk Nagarjuna initiated reforms in the way
2. As a result, Buddhism was split into two as Hinayana and Mahayana
3. Lesser vehicle means Hinayana was the original creed preached by Buddha. The followers of this form regarded Buddha as their Guru and did not worship him as God. They denied idol worship and continued with the people’s language Pali.
4. In the Great Vehicle or Mahayana, Buddha was worshipped as God and Bodhisathuva as his previous Avatar. The followers made images and statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva.