2025 · Q108
Which of the following statements with reference to Mahayana (Buddhism) is/are correct?
- 1Female deities are benevolent saviours and protectors who embody Buddhist virtues.
- 2In Prajñāpāramitā texts, knowledge is visualised in feminine form, as a deity called Prajñāpāramitā.
- 3Prajñāpāramitā is described as the source of the omniscience of all the Buddhas and the mother of all the Buddhas. Select the answer using the codes given below:
Indian Culture and HeritageBuddhism
- A1, 2 and 3
- B1 and 2 only
- C2 only
- D3 only
Explanation
All three statements are correct: Mahayana venerates female deities such as Tara as benevolent saviours embodying Buddhist virtues; the Prajnaparamita literature personifies transcendent wisdom as the goddess Prajnaparamita; and she is described as the source of the omniscience of all Buddhas, the 'mother of all Buddhas'.