How do Mahayana Buddhists and Theravada Buddhists view Gautama?

• A. Gautama is the sole founder and only Buddha
• B. Gautama is not a real Buddha
• C. Gautama is a deity who created the universe
• D. Both believe he is one of many Buddhas

Answer: (D)

Both Mahayana and Theravada view Gautama as the historical Buddha, the one who first awakened and taught the path to liberation. At the same time, they see him as part of a larger context: there are many Buddhas across ages and realms. In Mahayana, the idea of multiple Buddhas and celestial Buddhas is central, so Gautama is honored as one enlightened teacher among many. Theravada also recognizes past Buddhas and treats Gautama as the Buddha of our current age and chief teacher of the Dhamma, not as the sole Buddha in existence. The other options don’t fit because Buddhas are awakened beings, not creators of the universe, and Gautama is not treated as merely mythical or non-existent.