Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 1 - UPSC MCQ

• Pair 1 is correctly matched. The symbol associated with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, is indeed the lion.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched. Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, is associated with the snake symbol, often depicted with a canopy of snake hoods over his head.
• Pair 3 is correctly matched. Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, is associated with the bull symbol.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, while it does incorporate Brahmanical rituals and Buddhist philosophies, it does not combine them with Veda-based rituals specifically. On the other hand, Navayana Buddhism, as propounded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, indeed rejects monkhood, karma, rebirth, and various other traditional Buddhist concepts. Therefore, Statement-I is not accurately reflecting Vajrayana Buddhism, making it incorrect. However, Statement-II correctly characterizes Navayana Buddhism as a distinct branch rejecting several traditional Buddhist beliefs and practices.

The Digambara School in Jainism believes in complete nudity for monks, with female monks wearing unstitched plain white sarees and being called Aryikas. In contrast, the Svetambara School allows monks to wear simple white clothing. This difference in attire is a significant belief that sets these two schools apart in Jainism.

• Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The First Buddhist Council focused on compiling the teachings of the Buddha into the Vinaya Pitaka and the Sutta Pitaka, not the Dhammapada.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Second Buddhist Council led to the first major split in the Sangha between the Sthaviravada and Mahasamghika schools.
• Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Fourth Buddhist Council, held in 72 AD in Kundalvana, Kashmir, divided Buddhism into the Mahayana and Hinayana sects. 

The key difference between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism regarding their ultimate goals lies in their aspirations. Hinayana Buddhism aims for nirvana as its ultimate goal, focusing on individual liberation through self-discipline and meditation. On the other hand, Mahayana Buddhism seeks complete enlightenment, aspiring for Buddhahood and the attainment of complete wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all beings. This contrast reflects the differing emphases on personal liberation versus the enlightenment of all sentient beings in Mahayana Buddhism.

• Statement 1 is correct. The Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment was indeed given at Deer Park in Sarnath and is known as the Dharma-chakra-pravartana or "Turning the Wheel of Law."
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Buddhism, unlike Jainism, rejects the authenticity of the Vedas and the concept of the existence of the soul (atman).
• Statement 3 is correct. The Three Jewels of Buddhism, also known as Triratna, include Buddha (the enlightened one), Dhamma (the teachings of Buddha), and Sangha (the monastic order).

- Statement-I incorrectly  describes the practice of monks in the Digambara School, who indeed do not wear clothes as they believe in complete nudity.
- Statement-II is correct as it describes the attire of monks in the Svetambara School as wearing simple white clothing
Therefore, Statement-I is inaccurate in portraying the practices of the Digambara School, while Statement-II is correct the attire of the monks in the Svetambara School.

Let's analyze the three statements related to different branches of Buddhism:

Statement 1:

"Hinayana Buddhism does not believe in idol or image worship of Buddha."

• This statement is correct. In Hinayana (also known as Theravada Buddhism), the focus is more on the teachings of Buddha and personal meditation rather than idol or image worship. Worship of Buddha’s images became more common with the Mahayana branch.

Statement 2:

"Mahayana Buddhism’s ultimate goal is spiritual upliftment for all beings."

• This statement is correct. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, where the goal is to attain enlightenment not only for oneself but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Statement 3:

"Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates Vedic rituals into its practice."

• This statement is incorrect. Vajrayana Buddhism does incorporate esoteric rituals and practices, but they are not derived from Vedic traditions. Instead, it draws on tantric practices which are unique to this form of Buddhism.

Conclusion:

The correct statements are 1 and 2.

Thus, the correct answer is:

Option 1: Only 1 and 2.

• Statement-I correctly describes key aspects of Hinayana Buddhism, emphasizing individual salvation and the use of the Pali language by its scholars.
• Statement-II accurately portrays Mahayana Buddhism, highlighting its belief in the heavenliness of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, along with the predominant use of Sanskrit by its scholars.
• The explanation provided under each statement aligns with the respective characteristics of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism as outlined in the source material.
• Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II indeed elaborates on the differences between the two branches of Buddhism.

• Statement 1 is correct. The Middle Path (Madhyama-Pratipad) in Buddhism refers to the balanced approach to spiritual development that avoids the extremes of severe asceticism on one hand and indulgence in sensual pleasures on the other. It is exemplified by the Noble Eightfold Path, which outlines the ethical and mental development towards enlightenment.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Middle Path is applicable to all followers of Buddhism, not just monastic members. It provides a framework for ethical living and spiritual practice that is accessible to lay followers as well as monks and nuns.
• Statement 3 is correct. Following the Middle Path, as defined by the Noble Eightfold Path, leads to the realization of Nirvana. Nirvana is the extinguishing of the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion, and it represents the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, signifying the end of suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the main deity is Tara, who is depicted as a female figure. Tara plays a significant role in this branch of Buddhism, embodying compassion and enlightenment. She is revered for her ability to protect and guide practitioners on their spiritual journey. Tara symbolizes various aspects of Buddhist teachings and is a central figure in Vajrayana practices across regions like Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Kalmykia.

• Statement 1 is correct. Mahayana Buddhism introduces the concept of the Bodhisattva, enlightened beings who, out of compassion, vow to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. This is a central tenet of Mahayana philosophy and practice.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Lotus Sutra is a key Mahayana Buddhist text, not a Theravada one. It significantly elaborates on the concept of the Bodhisattva path and the universal potential for Buddhahood, emphasizing the importance of compassion and the possibility of enlightenment for all.
• Statement 3 is correct. The six perfections (paramitas) in Mahayana Buddhism are practices that Bodhisattvas are encouraged to develop to aid in their journey towards enlightenment. These include generosity (dana), morality (sila), patience (ksanti), vigor (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna).

1. Sallekhana: Practice of voluntary fasting to death - Correct. Sallekhana is a Jain practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids. It is not considered suicide by Jain scholars.

2. Murtipujaka: Worship saints rather than idols - Incorrect. Murtipujaka refers to a sub-sect of the Svetambara school that worships idols of Tirthankaras in temples. It is the Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi sub-sects that focus on worshipping saints rather than idols.

3. Digambara: Monks wear simple white clothing - Incorrect. Digambara monks do not wear clothes as this sect believes in complete nudity. Female monks in Digambara do wear unstitched plain white sarees, but the male monks practice nudity.

4. Pratikraman: Practice of repentance in Jainism - Correct. Pratikraman is the Jain practice of repentance for sins and reminding oneself not to repeat them. There are five types of Pratikraman: Devasi, Rayi, Pakhi, Chaumasi, and Samvatsari.

So, the correct pairs are 1 and 4.

• Statement 1 is correct. The concept of anekantavada is a fundamental doctrine of Jainism, emphasizing the complexity of truth and reality, and advocating for a multifaceted approach to understanding and explaining them. It promotes tolerance and acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Sallekhana, or the practice of a voluntary and gradual reduction in the intake of food and liquids, is considered in Jainism to be an ethical and spiritual act of purification, not suicide. It is viewed as a way to face the end of life with composure, detachment, and focus on the soul's liberation.
• Statement 3 is correct. The Digambara sect of Jainism holds the belief that women cannot achieve moksha in their current female form. This view is based on their interpretation of Jain texts and the requirements for achieving liberation, which they believe can only be fully met by men in their tradition.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are factually correct. Statement-I mentions the event of Buddha attaining enlightenment under a pipal tree at the age of 35, which is a significant event in Buddhism. Statement-II correctly describes the location where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining Nirvana. However, Statement-II does not provide an explanation or further details about the specific event mentioned in Statement-I. Thus, while both statements are individually correct, they do not have a direct explanatory relationship.

The Three Jewels (Triratna) embraced under Buddhism consist of Buddha (the Enlightened One), Dhamma (Teachings of Buddha), and Sangha (The monastic order). These three elements play a crucial role in the practice and philosophy of Buddhism. The Buddha represents the ideal of enlightenment, the Dhamma encapsulates the teachings for spiritual development, and the Sangha provides a community for support and guidance in the Buddhist path. Together, they form the foundation of Buddhist faith and practice, guiding followers towards liberation from suffering.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Right Livelihood actually involves choosing occupations that do not harm other beings and are ethically positive.
• Statement 2 is correct. Right Effort in Buddhism is about making an active effort to cultivate beneficial qualities while preventing and eliminating harmful qualities.
• Statement 3 is incorrect as described. Right Mindfulness refers to being fully present and aware of our actions, thoughts, and feelings without distraction or judgment, while Right Understanding (or Right View) involves a correct understanding of the nature of reality, including the Four Noble Truths.

1. Tara - Main deity of Vajrayana Buddhism: Correct. Tara is indeed considered a main deity in Vajrayana Buddhism.

2. Nagasena - Answered questions by Menander I: Correct. Nagasena is known for answering questions posed by Menander I, the Indo-Greek king, which is recorded in the book Milinda Panho.

3. Bodhidharma - Transmitter of Buddhism to Japan: Incorrect. Bodhidharma is credited with transmitting Buddhism to China, not Japan.

4. Mahavira - First Tirthankara of Jainism: Incorrect. Mahavira is the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, not the first. The first Tirthankara is Rishabhanatha or Adinatha.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

• Statement 1 is correct. The Fourth Buddhist Council is traditionally held under the patronage of King Kanishka, and it is associated with the formal split of Buddhism into the Hinayana and Mahayana sects.
• Statement 2 is correct. The First Buddhist Council was convened shortly after the Buddha's death, where his teachings were compiled into the Sutta Pitaka (the basket of discourses) and the Vinaya Pitaka (the basket of monastic discipline).
• Statement 3 is correct. The Third Buddhist Council was convened by Emperor Ashoka with the goal of purifying the sangha (monastic community) of schismatic and heretical views, reinforcing the orthodox teachings of Buddhism.

• Statement 1 is correct. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent Indian social reformer and leader, propounded Navayana Buddhism as a way to address and combat the social inequalities and castism prevalent in Hindu society. He aimed to reinterpret Buddhism to focus on social equality and justice.
• Statement 2 is correct. Navayana Buddhism discards traditional Buddhist concepts such as karma, rebirth, meditation, and the Four Noble Truths, focusing instead on a radical reinterpretation of Buddha's teachings as they pertain to social equality and the struggle against caste discrimination.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Navayana Buddhism does not incorporate the worship of Hindu gods and goddesses. Instead, it is characterized by a rejection of Hindu social practices and deities, focusing on a rational, ethical, and egalitarian approach to social reform and spirituality.