39. Consider the following statements :
1. Kanishka was a great patron of Buddhism.
2. Kanishka was opposed to other religion and faiths
3. Kanishka patronised Buddhist scholars like Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
39. Consider the following statements :
1. Kanishka was a great patron of Buddhism.
2. Kanishka was opposed to other religion and faiths
3. Kanishka patronised Buddhist scholars like Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
The correct option is A a) 1 and 3 only
a)
Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign.However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but alsoGreek and Hindu gods. It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards other religions. In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism came into vogue. It is different in many respects from the religion taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thus image worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.
He patronised Buddhist scholars like Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. He also convened the Fourth Buddhist Council to discuss matters relating to Buddhist theology and doctrine. It was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagarin Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra. About 500 monksattended the Council. The Council prepared an authoritative commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given final shape. Asvagosha was a great philosopher, poet and dramatist. He was the author of Buddhacharita. Nagarjuna from south India adorned the court of Kanishka. The famous physician of ancient India Charaka was also patronized by him.
a) 1 and 3 only
a)
Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign.However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but alsoGreek and Hindu gods. It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards other religions. In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism came into vogue. It is different in many respects from the religion taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thus image worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.
He patronised Buddhist scholars like Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. He also convened the Fourth Buddhist Council to discuss matters relating to Buddhist theology and doctrine. It was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagarin Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra. About 500 monksattended the Council. The Council prepared an authoritative commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given final shape. Asvagosha was a great philosopher, poet and dramatist. He was the author of Buddhacharita. Nagarjuna from south India adorned the court of Kanishka. The famous physician of ancient India Charaka was also patronized by him.
