Question

What changes did buddhism encounter after the death of ashoka?

a. indians began to worship statutes of the buddha.
b. new interpretations of buddhism were introduced.
c. a person did not have to join the buddhist order to attain enlightenment.
d. theravada was considered the most important element of buddhism.
e. many chose not to attain nirvana?

Answer 1

Following Ashoka's death, Buddhism saw the introduction of iconographic worship of the Buddha through statues, new interpretations, and practices, acceptance of lay enlightenment, the rise of distinct schools such as Mahayana, and continued focus on the attainment of Nirvana with varying approaches.

Step-by-step explanation:

After the death of Ashoka, Buddhism encountered several important changes:

• Worship of Buddha: Indians began to create and worship statues of the Buddha, a practice influenced by the Greek sculptures introduced to the region through Alexander the Great's conquests. These statues depicted the Buddha and other enlightened beings known as Bodhisattvas.
• New interpretations: Buddhism evolved with new interpretations and practices as it spread, adapting to local traditions and cultures across Asia.
• Personal enlightenment: It became accepted that a person could attain enlightenment without necessarily having to join a monastic order.
• Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism: Different schools of Buddhism emerged, such as Theravada and Mahayana, with Mahayana Buddhism introducing the concept of the Bodhisattva and becoming prevalent in East Asia.
• Attainment of Nirvana: The goal of attaining Nirvana remained, although the means and interpretation of how it could be achieved continued to develop, reflecting the diversity within Buddhism itself.

Answer 2

The answer is B) New interpretations of Buddhism were introduced


Ashoka was the last emperor in History who contributed towards the growth and expansion of the Bhuddist religion in the Indian Sub continent.

After his death, things quickly went downhill for the religion. Many local monks started to internet the religion in their own way, contributing towards the distinct practices of Bhuddism found in the South of Indian and the Himalayas.

The eventual rise of the Gupta Empire and then the Mongol-Turk invasions brought Islam to the sub-continent leading to a drastic fall in Buddhists.