Question

Describe new developments of Buddhism during Kanishka’s period and afterwards.

Answer 1

(1) The most famous Kushana ruler was Kanishka. He ruled around 1900 years ago. He organized a Buddhist council. Here scholars met and discussed important matters.
(2) Ashvaghosha lived in court of Kanishka. He composed a biography of the Buddha.
(3) A new form of Buddhism, known as Mahayana Buddhism, developed during the age of Kanishka. This had two distinct features.
(4) Earlier, the Buddha’s presence was shown in sculpture by using certain signs.
or example, his attainment of enlightenment was shown by sculptures of the peepal tree.
(5) Now, statues of the Buddha were made. Many of these were made in Mathura (a city in modern Uttar Pradesh); while others were made in Taxila (located in modern Pakistan).
(6) The second change was a belief in Bodhisattvas. These were supposed to be people who had attained enlightenment; but instead of giving up the world, they remained in the world to help other people.