Which of the following aspects are true in the context of Buddhist education?

1.It focused on three major points, discipline, meditation and wisdom, with wisdom as the goal through discipline and meditation.

2.The Tipitaka, giving a clear idea of life, is categorised as Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

3.In the initial stages the medium was the mother tongue, later Pali and Prakrit, and Sanskrit was included at a later stage.

4.This education could never get the support of kings.

A2, 3 and 4

B3 and 4

C1, 2, 3 and 4

D1, 2 and 3 ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The true points cover the threefold aim, the three baskets of the Tipitaka and the changing medium of teaching.

Statement 1 is right, learning resting on discipline, meditation and wisdom, with wisdom as the goal.

Statement 2 is right, the Tipitaka being sorted into Sutta, Vinaya and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Statement 3 is right, the medium moving from mother tongue to Pali and Prakrit and later Sanskrit.

Statement 4 is wrong, since kings such as Ashoka and the Palas strongly supported this education.

Royal patronage indeed built the great viharas where this learning thrived.

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