Consider the following statements:
1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Trading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation:

Mahayana Buddhism emerged as a distinct major branch of Buddhism around the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. It introduced several core features and doctrinal shifts compared to Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhism:

1. Deification of the Buddha: In early Theravada Buddhism, Gautama Buddha was revered as an extraordinary human teacher who attained enlightenment (Nirvana). However, Mahayana Buddhism elevated the Buddha to the status of a divine being or God, believing in infinite cosmic Buddhas who possess transcendent power and compassion.

2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas: A central principle of Mahayana Buddhism is the ideal of the Bodhisattva—a compassionate being who delays their own ultimate salvation (Nirvana) to work for the liberation of all sentient beings. This contrasts with the Theravada ideal of the Arhat, who seeks personal salvation.

3. Image worship and rituals: With the deification of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, Mahayana Buddhism popularized the practice of making statues and idols for veneration, accompanied by elaborate rituals, prayers, and devotional worship (Bhakti).

Therefore, all three features listed are characteristic of Mahayana Buddhism.