With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Statement 1 is incorrect: The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, not Hinayana.

In Hinayana Buddhism, the term usually refers to Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, or to Gautama Buddha before his enlightenment.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct: A Bodhisattva is a being who aspires to enlightenment (bodhi) for the benefit of themselves and all other beings.

They embody compassion and delay their own salvation to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

The four vows of a Bodhisattva express their determination to work for the happiness of others.

Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Sources:

• SGI - Bodhisattva