Nov. 10, 2022

Prelims Questions

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara was known as?

a) Padmapani

b) Vajrapani

c) Manjushree

d) Maitreya

Answer – a

Explanation – Avalokiteshvara, also known as Padmapani, is a Bodhisattva who embodies the Buddha's compassion.

Vajrapani, like Indra of Hinduism, wears a thunderbolt and is called the 'eleminator of sins'. These Bodhisattvas show Buddha's power.

Manjushri- keeper of spiritual texts, and Maitreya- next incarnation of Buddha.