Buddhism and Jainism: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)

Explanation

Sthanakvasi is a branch of Svetambara Jainism that was started in 1653 AD by a merchant named Lavaji. It holds that the path to soul purification and achieving Nirvana/Moksha does not include idol worship.

Option (b) is correct:

The Sthanakvasi sect is a reformist sect within Jainism. It emerged in the 15th century CE as a reaction against the perceived ritualism and temple-centric practices of the Murtipujaka (idol-worshipping) Jains.mThe Sthanakvasis emphasize asceticism, non-violence (ahimsa), and meditation. They reject the worship of idols and instead focus on spiritual practices and the study of Jain scriptures.mThe sect derives its name from the term "Sthanak", meaning a place of worship, which is typically a simple hall rather than an ornate temple.

Explanation

A Bodhisattva in Buddhism is an enlightened being who, out of compassion, chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) to help all sentient beings attain liberation. The Bodhisattva path emphasizes the cultivation of perfections (paramitas) like generosity, wisdom, and patience to achieve Buddhahood. According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is a Bodhisattva who will appear on earth in future, attain enlightenment and teach pure dharma. He will be the future Buddha. Avalokiteshvara (The Lord Who Looks Down), also called Padmapani (The Lotus-Bearer) and Lokesvara in Sanskrit (The Lord of the World) is believed to hear the cries of suffering beings and assist in their liberation, offering help and comfort. The Bodhisattva is often depicted with multiple arms, symbolizing the ability to reach out and help countless beings simultaneously.