QQuestionReligious Studies
QuestionReligious Studies
Why is
“
Theravada
”
a problematic term to refer to the earliest forms of Buddhism before the development of Mahayana?
Group of answer choices
It was a title given to ancient Buddhists by their Hindu opponents.
Meaning
“
Way of the Elders,
”
it is an offensive term because it implies all Buddhists are old.
It represents only the oldest Buddhist school that outlasted its rivals.
It is an entirely modern word made up by contemporary scholars to refer to the Buddhist community.
5 months agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1Let me help you solve this problem by analyzing each option carefully:
Step 2: Understand the Context
The question is asking about the problematic nature of the term "Theravada" in referring to early Buddhism. This requires examining the historical and linguistic implications of the term.
Final Answer
The key insight is that using modern scholarly terminology to describe ancient religious traditions can misrepresent the historical complexity and self-understanding of those communities.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students