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

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.

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

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.

Explanation:
The Middle Path is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that emphasizes finding a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Let's break down the statements provided:

Statement 1: The Middle Path refers to a way of life that avoids the extremes of asceticism and sensual indulgence.
- This statement is correct. The Middle Path, as taught by the Buddha, advocates for moderation in all things, avoiding the extremes of extreme self-denial (asceticism) and overindulgence in sensual pleasures.

Statement 2: The Middle Path is only applicable to monastic members of the Buddhist Sangha.
- This statement is incorrect. The Middle Path is a guiding principle for all followers of Buddhism, not just monastic members. It is a path that laypeople can also follow in their daily lives to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Statement 3: Following the Middle Path leads to the realization of Nirvana, the ultimate goal of Buddhism.
- This statement is correct. By following the Middle Path of moderation and balance, individuals can attain Nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. Nirvana is a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A - 1 and 3. The Middle Path is a core teaching in Buddhism that offers a balanced approach to life and spiritual growth, leading ultimately to the attainment of Nirvana.

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.

All three statements are the teachings of Mahavira.

Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana: The Three Routes to Enlightenment

The correct answer is option 'A', which states that Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana are the three routes to enlightenment. In order to understand this answer, let's delve into the meanings and characteristics of each of these routes.


Mahayana is one of the main branches of Buddhism and is primarily practiced in East Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. The term "Mahayana" translates to "the Great Vehicle" or "the Great Path." It emphasizes the idea of universal compassion and the liberation of all beings. Here are some key characteristics of Mahayana:

1. Bodhisattva Ideal: Mahayana Buddhism places great importance on the concept of the bodhisattva, who is an enlightened being that is motivated by compassion to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. Bodhisattvas are seen as role models and objects of devotion.

2. Emphasis on Wisdom: Mahayana teachings emphasize the cultivation of wisdom alongside compassion. This includes the understanding of the true nature of reality and the concept of emptiness (shunyata).

3. Sutras: Mahayana Buddhism recognizes a vast collection of sutras, or sacred texts, which are believed to contain the teachings of the Buddha. Some of the most well-known Mahayana sutras include the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Diamond Sutra.


The term "Hinayana" is a controversial term that is no longer widely used and is considered derogatory by some Buddhists. It translates to "the Lesser Vehicle" or "the Inferior Vehicle." However, it is important to note that this term does not accurately represent the diverse practices and beliefs of the schools it is commonly associated with, such as Theravada Buddhism. Here are some key characteristics of Hinayana:

1. Focus on Personal Liberation: Hinayana Buddhism, often referred to as "Early Buddhism," places a strong emphasis on individual liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). It focuses on achieving personal enlightenment and the attainment of nirvana.

2. Four Noble Truths: Hinayana teachings revolve around the Four Noble Truths, which are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. These truths form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

3. Pali Canon: Hinayana Buddhism considers the Pali Canon, also known as the Tripitaka, as its primary scripture. It contains the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Theravada tradition.


Vajrayana, also known as Tantric Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism primarily practiced in Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia. The term "Vajrayana" translates to "the Diamond Vehicle" or "the Thunderbolt Vehicle." It is characterized by its esoteric practices, rituals, and the use of tantric techniques. Here are some key characteristics of Vajrayana:

1. Tantric Practices: Vajrayana incorporates tantric practices, which involve the use of mantras, rituals, visualizations

Some of the Buddhist Pilgrimage site In India

• Mahabodhi temple, Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
• The Mahaviharas of Nalanda, Vikramshila, Sompura, Odantapuri, Pushpagiri and Jagaddala
• Sirpur in Chhattisgarh.
• Lalitagiri, Vajragiri and Ratnagiri in Odisha
• Samath, near Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). Site of the first sermon of Buddha.
• Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh
• Sanchi and Bharhut in Madhya Pradesh
• Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu
• Bhaja and Karla caves, Pune (Maharashtra)
• Ajanta, Ellora and Pitalkhora caves, Aurangabad (Maharashtra)

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.

Explanation:

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence, self-control, and the pursuit of knowledge. One of the core beliefs of Jainism is that the world is created and maintained by universal laws.

Universal Laws:

According to Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents, soul, matter, space, time, and principles of motion, have always existed. Universal natural laws govern all constituents and actions. These laws are eternal, uncreated, and immutable. They are not dependent on any creator or controller, but are self-existent and self-revealing. The laws are called "tattvas" and there are seven of them.

The seven tattvas are:

1. Jiva - the soul
2. Ajiva - non-soul or matter
3. Asrava - influx of karmas
4. Bandha - bondage of karmas
5. Samvara - stoppage of influx of karmas
6. Nirjara - shedding of karmas
7. Moksha - liberation from karmas

These laws govern the behavior of all living beings and non-living entities. They explain how the universe works and how living beings can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by universal laws. These laws are eternal, uncreated, and immutable. They govern the behavior of all living beings and non-living entities and explain how the universe works. By understanding and following these laws, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Understanding Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism
Both statements regarding Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism are accurate, but they describe different aspects of the two branches of Buddhism without one explaining the other.

Statement-I: Hinayana Buddhism
- Emphasizes individual salvation.
- Focuses on self-discipline and meditation.
- Scholars primarily used the Pali language.
Hinayana, also known as Theravada Buddhism, indeed prioritizes personal enlightenment and the path of the individual monk.

Statement-II: Mahayana Buddhism
- Recognizes the divinity of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
- Scholars predominantly used the Sanskrit language.
Mahayana Buddhism expands the concept of enlightenment to include the notion of the Bodhisattva, who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but for all beings.

Conclusion
- Both statements accurately reflect the core tenets of their respective branches of Buddhism.
- Statement-II does not serve to explain Statement-I; rather, they complement each other by highlighting different philosophies within Buddhism.
Thus, the correct option is **B**: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

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

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

• 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.

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

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.

Statement 1: Theravada Buddhism is strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Theravada Buddhism is one of the major branches of Buddhism and is practiced predominantly in Southeast Asia. The statement is correct as Theravada Buddhism is indeed strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

- Sri Lanka: Theravada Buddhism has a strong presence in Sri Lanka, where it is the predominant form of Buddhism. The majority of the population in Sri Lanka follows Theravada teachings and traditions.

- Cambodia: Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Cambodia, and the majority of the population practices it. The country has many ancient and significant Theravada Buddhist temples and historical sites.

- Thailand: Theravada Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand and is followed by the majority of the population. The country has a rich Buddhist heritage with numerous temples and monasteries.

- Laos: Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Laos, and it plays a significant role in the country's culture and society. Many Laotians are ordained as monks, and temples are an integral part of the landscape.

- Myanmar: Theravada Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Myanmar, with the majority of the population being followers. The country is home to numerous ancient Buddhist sites and monasteries.

Statement 2: Theravada school of Buddhism believes that it has remained closest to the original teachings of Buddha.

The Theravada school of Buddhism claims to maintain the original teachings of Buddha. This statement is correct as Theravada Buddhists believe that their tradition has preserved the teachings of the historical Buddha in their most authentic and unaltered form.

- The term "Theravada" means the "Doctrine of the Elders," referring to the early Buddhist monastic elders who were responsible for preserving and passing down the teachings.

- Theravada Buddhists emphasize the importance of studying and following the Pali Canon, the oldest and most authoritative collection of Buddhist scriptures. They believe that the Pali Canon contains the authentic words and teachings of the Buddha.

- Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on meditation, mindfulness, and the cultivation of wisdom. It focuses on individual liberation and the path to enlightenment through personal practice and direct experience.

- In contrast to the Mahayana tradition, which developed later and introduced new texts and doctrines, Theravada Buddhists consider themselves to be the conservative guardians of the original teachings.

In conclusion, both statements are correct. Theravada Buddhism is indeed strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Additionally, the Theravada school of Buddhism believes that it has remained closest to the original teachings of Buddha.

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.