​Consider the following statements:
1. The Four Noble Truths form the central doctrine of Buddhism.
2. The concept of 'Anatta' in Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul.
3. Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of the Bodhisattva.
4. The Milindapanha is a Pali text that records a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander and the monk Nagasena.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?


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Correct option is D

​The correct answer is (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

The Four Noble Truths form the central doctrine of Buddhism.

• The Four Noble Truths (chatwari Arya Satyani) are:

  1. Dukkha – Life is suffering.

  2. Samudaya – There is a cause of suffering (craving).

  3. Nirodha – There is an end to suffering.

  4. Magga – The path to the cessation of suffering (Eightfold Path).

• These form the core of Buddha’s teachings.

The concept of 'Anatta' in Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul.

• Anatta (or Anatman) means non-self.

• Buddhism denies the permanence of the self or soul (Atman).

• It teaches that the idea of a permanent self is an illusion, and overcoming it leads to enlightenment.

Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of Bodhisattva.

• Bodhisattva refers to an enlightened being who postpones Nirvana to help others attain it.

• This idea is central to Mahayana Buddhism, which focuses more on compassion and universal salvation than personal liberation alone.

The Milindapanha is a Pali text that records a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander and the monk Nagasena.

• The Milindapanha ("Questions of Milinda") is a Pali Buddhist text.
• It features a philosophical dialogue between King Menander I (Milinda) and the monk Nagasena.
• It is a valuable source for understanding early Buddhist thought and philosophy.

Information Booster:

Core Teachings of Buddha:

Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)

• Right View
• Right Aim
• Right Speech
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration

Key Buddhist Philosophies

• Middle Path: Avoid extremes of luxury and asceticism.
• Karma & Rebirth: Present life shaped by past actions; good karma leads to better rebirth.
• Nirvana: Liberation through ending desire; no rebirth.
• Anatta (Non-Self): No permanent self; only five aggregates (body, sensation, perception, mental formations, consciousness).
• Ahimsa: Compassion and non-violence to all beings.
• On God: Neutral stance – focus on ethical living, not rituals.
• On Soul: Avoids metaphysical debate; emphasizes practical ethics.

Moksha / Nibbana

• Achieved through self-effort and right conduct
• Literally means “extinguishing” ego and desire

Other Important Concepts

·       Dhamma: Teachings of Buddha; path to enlightenment

·       Three Jewels:

o Buddha – the teacher

o Dhamma – the teachings

o Sangha – the community