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

Explanation

Jain’s philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal laws. Jainism does not support belief in the creator god. According to Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents (soul, matter, space, time and motion) have always existed. Jainism believes in the theory of Karma. Both the idea of reincarnation and the universal soul are accepted in Jainism. To break free from the circle of karma and reach salvation, Jainism teaches that one must lead a life of extreme austerity and penance. Jainism theory of Anekantavada stresses that there are many different facets to the ultimate truth and reality, or the "theory of plurality."

Explanation

Jainism is based on two main philosophical principles:

Anekantavada and Syadvada.Additionally, Jainism emphasizes karma, the moral law of cause and effect, and the goal of achieving liberation (moksha) through non-violence (ahimsa) and self-discipline.

Option (b) is correct: Anekantavada is a fundamental doctrine of Jainism, meaning "the theory of manifold perspectives." It advocates that reality is multifaceted and cannot be fully understood from a single viewpoint, which aligns with Jain teachings of tolerance and non-absolutism. This philosophical approach is unique to Jainism and is not part of the core concepts in Buddhism, Sikhism, or Vaishnavism. Jain Syadvada, the theory of conditional predication suggests that statements about reality are context-dependent.

Explanation

King Kharavela of Kalinga is well-known for his support of Jainism, which helped to spread Jain doctrines within his region during the 1st century BCE. His inscriptions in the Hathigumpha cave (Udayagiri, Odisha) mention Jain religious activities and his support for Jain monks.He reinstalled a Jain idol in Kalinga that had been taken away by Nanda rulers earlier.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

The spread of Jainism in South India is more closely linked to Bhadrabahu (not Sthalabahu) who migrated to the south with a group of monks during a famine. The Shvetambara sect emerged after the council at Pataliputra but it was not led by Bhadrabahu. the Shvetambaras were the group that remained in the north and adopted the practice of wearing white clothes. Bhadrabahu led the Digambara sect which migrated to the south. Early Jainism was aniconic (did not worship idols). Image worship in Jainism started later (after 1st century CE) under the influence of Hinduism.

Explanation

The statue of Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali, at ShravanaBelagola in Karnataka represents Bahubali, the son of the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, not the last Tirthankara Mahavira. This monolithic statue, approximately 57 feet tall was commissioned by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chavundaraya.

Explanation

Pavarana is a significant Buddhist ceremony observed at the end of Vassa, the three-month rainy season retreat for monks. During this retreat monks stay in a fixed monastery and refrain from extensive travel to avoid harming small creatures that emerge during the rains. On the full moon day of Ashvin (September-October) the Pavarana ceremony is held which marks the conclusion of Vassa. It serves as a day of confession when monks publicly acknowledge any offenses or mistakes they may have committed during their stay. It allows fellow monks to offer constructive criticism, fostering discipline and humility within the Sangha. It is an essential aspect of Vinaya (monastic discipline) which reinforces ethical behavior.

Explanation

The Buddhist Councils were pivotal in preserving and organizing the Buddha’s teachings. The First Council (483 BCE), held under King Ajatasatru, aimed to preserve the Buddha’s teachings, with Mahakassapa presiding. The Second Council (383 BCE) under King Kalasoka led to the split into Early Theravada and Early Mahayana. The Third Council (250 BCE), presided by Mogaliputta Tissa under Emperor Ashoka, focused on purifying Buddhism and compiling the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Fourth Council (1st century AD) under King Kanishka in Kashmir formalized the division into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

Option (d) is correct: The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened during the reign of Emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty around the 1st century CE in Kundalvana (modern-day Kashmir). The council was presided over by the scholar-monk Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha serving as his deputy. This council had a significant influence on the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is correct: Jainism emphasized ahimsa (non-violence) as its core principle. It not only prohibited violence against humans and animals but also extended non-violence to plants, insects, and microorganisms. Reason (R) is correct: Agriculturalists could not easily adopt Jainism because farming inherently involves plowing land, which kills many insects and small organisms. Jainism was largely adopted by traders, merchants, and urban elites rather than peasants and farmers. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Reason (R) explains that agricultural practices, which harm insects and pests, conflict with Jainism’s principle of non-violence (Ahimsa). This makes it difficult for agriculturalists to fully embrace Jainism.

Explanation

Padmapani is a title often used for Avalokiteshvara. He is one of the most revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizing compassion and mercy. His name means "The Lord Who Looks Down (upon the world with compassion)." Avalokitesvara is believed to postpone his own enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. He is especially worshiped in Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The Dalai Lama is considered an incarnation of Avalokitesvara in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism and represent key Bodhisattvas who embody different aspects of Buddhist ideals and qualities. Vajrapani: Vajrapani is a prominent Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often depicted holding a vajra (thunderbolt), symbolizing power and the ability to ward off evil. Manjusri: Manjusri is a Bodhisattva associated with wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. He is often depicted holding a sword to cut through ignorance and a scripture in his left hand, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. Maitreya: Maitreya is the future Buddha in Buddhist tradition, believed to appear in the future to teach pure Dharma. Maitreya is often depicted as a joyful and benevolent figure, embodying hope and compassion for the future.

Explanation

Buddhism and Jainism, both originating in ancient India around the 6th century BCE, share several common principles. Both religions advocate personal spiritual development through ethical conduct and meditation, offering alternative paths to liberation and enlightenment. Statement (1) is incorrect: Only Buddhism avoids extremes, not Jainism. Buddhism follows the Middle Path (Madhyamaka), avoiding both extreme penance and indulgence. Jainism, especially in Digambara tradition, follows extreme asceticism, advocating severe penance as a path to liberation. Statements (2), (3) and (4) are correct:

Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the Vedas as the ultimate authority. They criticized the Brahmanical rituals, caste system, and the monopoly of Vedic priests. Both religions focused on direct realization, self-discipline, and ethical conduct over Vedic rituals. Buddha and Mahavira both opposed elaborate rituals and sacrifices performed by Brahmins. Buddhism emphasized meditation, moral conduct, and wisdom over rituals. Ahimsa (non-violence) is a fundamental principle in both Buddhism and Jainism. Jainism follows an extreme form of Ahimsa avoiding even harming microorganisms (e.g., Jain monks wear masks to avoid inhaling insects). Buddhism also preaches Ahimsa, but in a less extreme form compared to Jainism.

Explanation

Therigatha often translated as Verses of the Elder Nuns is a Buddhist text. It is part of the Sutta Pitaka, containing verses attributed to early Buddhist nuns. It documents the spiritual experiences and enlightenment of female disciples of the Buddha.

Option (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Acarangasutra is one of the oldest Jain scriptures belonging to the Shvetambara Jain canon. It discusses the ethical conduct, discipline, and lifestyle of Jain monks, especially emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence). It is attributed to the direct disciples of Mahavira. Sutrakritanga is a Jain scripture from the Shvetambara canon. It contains theological discussions and criticizes rival religious philosophies, including Vedic traditions and Ajivikas. Brihatkalpasutra is a later Jain text which is part of the Shvetambara tradition. It deals with monastic discipline, rules for Jain monks and spiritual practices.