All questions of Buddhism and Jainism for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

• It is a 57-feet high monolithic statue situated on Vindhyagiri Hill at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka.
• Depicting the prolonged meditation of Jain god Bahubali, it was built around 983 AD and is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. The Ganga dynasty commissioned the construction of the statue.
• In 2007, the statue was voted as the first of Seven Wonders of India; 49% of the total votes favoured it.

Buddhist site museum has been inaugurated at Lalitgiri in Odisha. The Diamond Triangle, consisting of the three Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.

The correct answer is option 'B', Sanchi.

Explanation:
- The Vessantara Jataka is a story from the Jataka tales, which are a collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.
- The Jataka tales are an important part of Buddhist literature and are widely revered in Theravada Buddhism.
- The Vessantara Jataka is considered one of the most popular and significant Jataka tales.
- It tells the story of Prince Vessantara, who is known for his extraordinary generosity and giving away his possessions, including his children and wife, to those in need.
- The story is seen as a moral lesson on the virtues of selflessness and compassion.
- The Jataka tales, including the Vessantara Jataka, are often depicted in art and sculpture, particularly in Buddhist stupas.
- Stupas are dome-shaped structures that house relics or serve as a place of worship in Buddhism.
- One of the most famous stupas in the world is the Sanchi Stupa, located in Madhya Pradesh, India.
- The Sanchi Stupa is known for its intricate carvings and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The carvings on the Sanchi Stupa depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha, including the Jataka tales.
- Among the carvings on the Sanchi Stupa, the Vessantara Jataka is one of the most prominent and popular.
- The story of Prince Vessantara and his acts of generosity are depicted in the carvings, showcasing the importance of compassion and selflessness in Buddhist teachings.
- Therefore, the Vessantara Jataka is carved on the Sanchi Stupa, making option 'B' the correct answer.

Justification:

• Initially, only men were allowed into the Sangha, but later women were also admitted. According to Buddhist texts, this was made possible through the mediation of Ananda, one of Buddha's dearest disciples, who persuaded him to allow women into the Sangha.
• Buddha's foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami, was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.

The Stupa at Saranath was built to mark the place where Buddha first taught his message.

Justification:

• Chyavana Kalyanak: This is the event when the Tirthankara's soul departs from its last life and is conceived in the mother's womb.
• Janma Kalyanak: It is when the Tirthankara's soul is born.
• Diksha Kalyanak: When the Tirthankara's soul gives up all his/her worldly possessions and becomes a monk/nun (Digambara sect does not believe that women can become Tirthankara or be liberated).
• Kevaljnana Kalyanak: It is when Tirthankara's soul eradicates the four ghati karmas and attains the Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge).
• Celestial angels set Samavasarana for Tirthankaras from where he/she delivers the first sermon, which is the most important event for the entire Jain order. The Tirthankara reinstates Jain Sangh and preaches the Jain path of liberation and purification.
• Nirvana Kalyanak: When Tirthankara's soul is forever liberated from the worldly physical existence and becomes a Siddha. The Tirthankara's soul destroys the four aghati karmas and attains salvation, which is the state of eternal bliss.

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). It is known for its unique philosophical and ethical teachings. In the given options, both 1 and 2 are incorrect.

Explanation:
1. The entire world is fundamentally inanimate despite the contrary illusion: This statement is not a core idea in Jainism. Jain philosophy believes that the world is made up of living and non-living substances. Living beings, known as souls (jivas), are believed to possess consciousness and the capacity for spiritual growth, while non-living substances are considered inert and devoid of consciousness.

2. There are no birth and death cycles as objects come from nothingness and dissolve into nothingness: This statement is also not a part of Jain philosophy. Jainism teaches the concept of samsara, which is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. According to Jainism, living beings are trapped in this cycle due to their karma (actions and intentions), and the ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle through spiritual purification and self-realization.

The correct answer is option D, which states that neither 1 nor 2 are correct.

Jainism's Important Ideas:
Jainism is based on several important ideas that differentiate it from other religious and philosophical systems. Some of the key ideas in Jainism include:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is the most fundamental principle in Jainism. It involves refraining from causing harm or violence to any living being, whether through physical actions, speech, or thoughts. Jainism advocates for compassion and respect towards all forms of life.

2. Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): Anekantavada is the principle of non-absolutism or non-one-sidedness. It acknowledges the complexity and multiple perspectives in understanding reality. According to Jainism, truth is multifaceted and can be perceived differently by different individuals. Anekantavada encourages tolerance, open-mindedness, and the acceptance of diverse viewpoints.

3. Syadavada (Theory of Sevenfold Predication): Syadavada is a logical framework used in Jainism to describe the nature of reality. It states that every statement can be expressed in seven different ways, depending on the perspective, time, and other factors. This helps to avoid dogmatism and promotes a more nuanced understanding of reality.

4. Karma and Reincarnation: Jainism believes in the concept of karma, which is the accumulation of both positive and negative actions and intentions. It is believed that karma binds the soul to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Liberation from this cycle can be achieved by purifying the soul through right actions, meditation, and self-realization.

5. Five Vows (Mahavratas): Jain monks and nuns follow a set of five vows known as Mahavratas. These vows include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment. Lay followers also strive to follow these principles to the best of their abilities.

Conclusion:
Jainism is a complex and rich philosophical tradition with its own unique set of ideas and teachings. While the given options do not accurately represent Jainism's core beliefs, understanding concepts such as ahimsa, anekantavada, karma, and the five vows

Justification:

• The Varadamudra' generosity gesture' signifies offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity.
• It is nearly always shown made with the left hand by a revered figure devoted to human salvation from greed, anger and delusion.
• It can be made with the arm crooked, and the palm offered slightly turned up or the arm facing down the palm presented with the fingers upright or slightly bent.
• The Varadamudra is rarely seen without another mudra used by the right hand, typically Abhaya mudra. It is often confused with vitarka mudra, which it closely resembles.
• In China and Japan during the Northern Wei and Asuka periods, respectively, the fingers are stiff and then gradually begin to loosen as it developed over time, eventually leading to the Tang dynasty standard where the fingers are naturally curved.

Understanding Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism is a significant branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, which is central to its philosophy and practice. Let's analyze the statements provided:
Statement 1: Correct
- Mahayana Buddhism indeed introduces the concept of the Bodhisattva, who is dedicated to achieving enlightenment not just for themselves but for all sentient beings. This altruistic aspect differentiates Mahayana from Theravada Buddhism, which primarily focuses on individual enlightenment.
Statement 2: Incorrect
- The Lotus Sutra is not a key text in Theravada Buddhism; it is, in fact, one of the most important scriptures in Mahayana Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the Bodhisattva path and the universality of Buddha-nature, making it a foundational text for Mahayana practitioners.
Statement 3: Correct
- Mahayana practices include the six perfections (paramitas), which are essential for developing virtues such as generosity, patience, and wisdom. These qualities are cultivated to assist in the liberation of all beings, aligning with the Bodhisattva ideal.
Conclusion
Given the analysis above, the correct statements are 1 and 3. Therefore, the answer to the question is option 'A': Only 1 and 3 are correct.
In summary, Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal and includes practices aimed at developing virtues through the six perfections, while the claim about the Lotus Sutra belonging to Theravada Buddhism is inaccurate.

Jain Philosophy on the Creation and Maintenance of the World

According to Jain philosophy, the world is created and maintained by universal natural laws that govern all constituents and actions. Let's explore this concept in detail:

Universal Natural Laws

The Jain doctrine holds that the universe and its constituents, including soul, matter, space, time, and principles of motion, have always existed. This means that the creation of the world is not a one-time event but rather a continuous process.

The universe operates according to universal natural laws, which are eternal and immutable. These laws govern the behavior of all living and non-living entities, including the actions of humans and their consequences. Therefore, everything that happens in the world is a result of these natural laws.

Constituents of the Universe

Jainism recognizes six fundamental constituents of the universe: soul (jiva), matter (pudgala), space (akasha), time (kala), principle of motion (dharma), and principle of rest (adharma). Each of these constituents has a unique characteristic and plays a crucial role in the functioning of the universe.

For instance, the soul is the living entity that undergoes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Matter, on the other hand, is the non-living entity that has mass, shape, and other physical properties.

Principles of Motion and Rest

The principles of motion (dharma) and rest (adharma) are the two fundamental forces that govern the behavior of all entities in the universe. Dharma is the force that propels an entity to move, while adharma is the force that opposes motion and causes an entity to come to rest.

These two principles are in a constant state of flux and interact with each other to create a dynamic and ever-changing universe. Therefore, everything in the world is in a state of constant motion and change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by universal natural laws that govern all constituents and actions. The six fundamental constituents of the universe and the principles of motion and rest play a crucial role in the functioning of the world. Understanding these concepts is essential to understanding Jainism's worldview and approach to life.

Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya

Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya are the four fundamental vows prescribed by the Jain ethical code. These vows are considered essential for leading a virtuous and ethical life according to Jain teachings.

Ahimsa
- Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the central tenet of Jainism. It emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to any living being, either through physical, mental, or emotional means.

Satya
- Satya, or truthfulness, is another crucial vow in Jainism. It encourages followers to always speak the truth and avoid falsehood in their words and actions.

Aparigraha
- Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, teaches followers to limit their attachment to material possessions and avoid greed. It promotes a simple and minimalist lifestyle.

Brahmacharya
- Brahmacharya, or celibacy, is the fourth vow in Jainism. It emphasizes self-control and moderation in physical desires, particularly in the context of sexual behavior.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 'D' - None of the above. Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya are all fundamental vows in Jainism, while the option '3 only' (Aparigraha) is not one of the vows.

I think correct one will be A

Overview of Buddhism
Buddhism is broadly categorized into two main branches: Hinayana (often referred to as Theravada) and Mahayana. Both branches have distinct beliefs, practices, and interpretations of the Buddha's teachings.
Statement I Analysis
- Hinayana Buddhism:
- Emphasizes individual salvation.
- Focuses on self-discipline and meditation.
- Traditionally does not endorse idol or image worship of the Buddha.
- Aims at achieving Nirvana through personal effort.
Statement II Analysis
- Mahayana Buddhism:
- Incorporates idol and image worship as significant elements of practice.
- Views the Buddha and Bodhisattvas as divine figures embodying Buddha Nature.
- Emphasizes compassion and the goal of helping others achieve enlightenment alongside personal salvation.
Conclusion on Statements
- Correctness:
- Both Statement I and Statement II are accurate in their descriptions of the respective branches of Buddhism.
- Statement II does not explain Statement I; rather, it outlines a contrasting belief system.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B': Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.
This distinction emphasizes the diversity within Buddhism and the significance of understanding different interpretations and practices across its various schools.

Decline of Buddhism in India

Buddhism, which originated in India, began to decline during the early medieval times. The reasons for its decline are as follows:

Vaishnavism, Shaivism and other Hindu traditions became increasingly popular, and Brahmins developed a new relationship with the state.

- The emergence of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and other Hindu traditions posed a challenge to Buddhism. These traditions gained popularity and attracted a large following, especially among the upper classes of society.
- Brahmins, who held considerable influence and position in society, developed a new relationship with the state. They gained the patronage of the kings and formed alliances with the ruling class. This made it difficult for Buddhism to compete with the increasing popularity of these Hindu traditions.

The invading tribes from Central Asia till last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.

- The period between the 4th and 6th centuries witnessed the invasion of Central Asian tribes into India. These tribes were known for their military prowess and their adoption of Hinduism.
- They persecuted the Buddhists and destroyed many Buddhist monasteries and institutions. This led to the decline of Buddhism in many parts of India.

The kings of the Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.

- The Gupta dynasty, which ruled over a large part of India from the 4th to the 6th centuries, was strongly opposed to Buddhism. The Gupta kings promoted Hinduism and provided patronage to Brahmins.
- This led to a decline in the influence and popularity of Buddhism in many parts of India.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be seen that the decline of Buddhism in India was due to a combination of factors such as the emergence of Hindu traditions, the persecution of Buddhists by invading tribes, and the opposition of the Gupta kings to Buddhism. These factors led to the decline of Buddhism and its eventual disappearance from India.

Summary:
The correct answer is option 'C' which states that both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 1 asserts the continuity of basic principles in Buddhism from the first sermon of Buddha to the present day, while statement 2 highlights that the Buddhist Tipitaka is written in the Pali language.

Explanation:

Statement 1: From the first sermon of Buddha at Samath to the most recent derivations, there is an indisputable continuity in Buddhist basic principles.

The first sermon of Buddha, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, was delivered at the holy site of Sarnath in Samath. This sermon laid the foundation of Buddhism and introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. These teachings form the core principles of Buddhism and have remained unchanged throughout the history of Buddhism. Therefore, statement 1 is true as there is an indisputable continuity in Buddhist basic principles from the first sermon of Buddha to the present day.

Statement 2: Buddhist Tipitaka is written in the Pali language.

The Buddhist Tipitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the primary scripture of Theravada Buddhism. It is a collection of teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha and his disciples. The Tipitaka is written in the Pali language, which was the vernacular language of ancient India during the time of Buddha. Pali is an ancient Indian language that was widely used for religious and scholarly purposes. Therefore, statement 2 is true as the Buddhist Tipitaka is indeed written in the Pali language.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 1 highlights the continuity of basic principles in Buddhism from the first sermon of Buddha to the present day, while statement 2 emphasizes that the Buddhist Tipitaka is written in the Pali language.

After enlightenment, Buddha journeyed to the Sarnath where he preached his first sermon to his five disciples.

Vajrayana Buddhism is a form of Buddhism that originated in India and is known for its emphasis on Tantra practices. It is considered to be one of the three major schools of Buddhism, alongside Theravada and Mahayana. Let's break down the given statements and analyze them:

1. Vajrayana Buddhism includes various Buddhist traditions of Tantra.
This statement is correct. Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates various traditions of Tantra, which are specific practices and rituals aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment. These traditions involve the use of visualizations, mantras, and physical postures to transform ordinary experiences into spiritual ones.

2. Vajrayana Buddhism developed parallelly with Mahayana Buddhism in India.
This statement is incorrect. Vajrayana Buddhism is actually considered to be a subcategory of Mahayana Buddhism. While Mahayana Buddhism developed in India during the first century CE, Vajrayana emerged later as a distinct form of Mahayana Buddhism, incorporating elements of Tantra.

3. According to Vajrayana scriptures, it is the only vehicle to enlightenment among the three schools of Buddhism.
This statement is incorrect. Vajrayana Buddhism does not claim to be the only path to enlightenment among the three schools of Buddhism. Each school, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, offers different paths and practices for individuals to achieve enlightenment.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A, which states that Vajrayana Buddhism includes various Buddhist traditions of Tantra.

Justification:

• The Mahayana tradition is the largest major Buddhism tradition existing today, with 53.2% practitioners, compared to 35.8% for Theravada and 5.7% for Vajrayana in 2010.
• Mahayana Buddhism spread from India to various South, East and Southeast Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
• Mahayana Buddhism also spread to other South and Southeast Asian countries, such as Afghanistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, the Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Iran and other Central Asian countries Theravada Buddhism or other religions.

Justification:

• These are jiva, ajivaa, astikaya, bandha, samvara, nirjana and moksa. Substances like a body, which exist and envelope (like a cover), are astikaya.
• Anastikayas like 'time' have nobody at all. The substance is the basis of attributes (qualities).
• The attributes that we find in a substance are known as dharmas. Jains believe that things or substance have attributes.
• These attributes also change with the change of Kala (time). From their point of view, the attributes of a substance are essential and eternal or unchangeable.
• Without essential attributes, a thing cannot exist. So, they are always present in everything.
• For example, consciousness (chetana) is the soul's essence; desire, happiness and sorrow are its changeable attributes.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India

There are several important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. These sites are revered by Buddhists for their association with the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. The correct code for the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India is option 'D', which includes all the four options listed.

1. Sirpur

Sirpur is an ancient archaeological site located in the state of Chhattisgarh. It is known for its Buddhist monasteries and stupas dating back to the 6th century CE. The site also has remains of Hindu and Jain temples, indicating the religious diversity of the region.

2. Kushinagar

Kushinagar is a small town in the state of Uttar Pradesh, known as the place where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana or final enlightenment. The town has several Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Ramabhar Stupa.

3. Nagapattinam

Nagapattinam is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu, known for its association with Buddhism during the ancient Chola period. The town has several Buddhist sites, including the Buddha Vihar and the Nagapattinam Pagoda.

4. Karla Caves

Karla Caves are rock-cut Buddhist caves located near Lonavala in the state of Maharashtra. The caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddha and other Buddhist deities.

Conclusion

These are some of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. These sites are not only important for their religious significance but also for their historical and architectural importance. Buddhists from all over the world visit these sites to pay their respects and seek spiritual guidance.

All three statements are the teachings of Mahavira.

Introduction:
Bodhisattva images were added as a part of the personified representations of certain virtues or qualities, as propagated by the Buddhist religious principles for the welfare of the masses.

Explanation:

Mahayana Buddhism:
- Bodhisattva images became prominent in Mahayana Buddhism, where the concept of Bodhisattvas, beings who have attained enlightenment but choose to remain in the cycle of birth and death to help others achieve liberation, gained significance.
- Mahayana Buddhism emphasized compassion and the ideal of the Bodhisattva, leading to the creation of images representing these ideals.

Vajrayana Buddhism:
- Vajrayana Buddhism, a later development within Mahayana Buddhism, also incorporated Bodhisattva images in its practices.
- In Vajrayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are seen as powerful beings who can aid practitioners in their spiritual journey, and images of Bodhisattvas are used in meditation and rituals.

Conclusion:
Therefore, with the rise of Vajrayana Buddhism, the inclusion of Bodhisattva images as representations of virtues or qualities became more widespread, reflecting the emphasis on compassion and spiritual ideals in Buddhist religious principles.