Test: Buddhism & Jainism - UPSC MCQ

• Statement 1 is correct: Non-violence (Ahimsa) is indeed the central principle of Jainism, emphasizing harmlessness towards all living beings.
• Statement 2 is correct: Mahavira indeed introduced the practice of discarding clothes, symbolizing extreme austerity. This practice led to the formation of two major sects in Jainism: Digambar (those who regard the sky as their clothing, i.e., remain nude) and Shvetambar (those who wear white clothes).
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Jainism did not promote the Varna system. In fact, it sought to provide a spiritual path that was accessible to all, regardless of Varna, challenging the hierarchical social structure prevalent in ancient India.

Jainism comprises two major ancient sub-traditions: Digambaras and Svetambaras. Digambaras believe in complete nudity for monks, while Svetambaras allow monks to wear white clothing. These two sub-traditions have distinct beliefs and practices that differentiate them within the Jain community.

- Statement 1: Correct. Digambara monks practice complete nudity as a symbol of renunciation and detachment from material possessions, reflecting their belief in non-attachment.

- Statement 2: Incorrect. Both Digambara and Svetambara monks follow all five constraints: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). Thus, the claim about Svetambara monks excluding Brahmacharya is false.

- Statement 3: Correct. Bhadrabahu, a Digambara leader, migrated to Karnataka with his followers due to a predicted famine.

Thus, the correct answer is C: 1 and 3 only.

Siddhartha Gautam was born in Lumbini in 563 BC. He later became known as Buddha after attaining enlightenment at the age of 35. This transformation marked a significant shift in his life and teachings, leading to the founding of Buddhism.

The correct answer is B: 1 Only.

Explanation:

1. Correct: Mahayana Buddhism practices idol or image worship, focusing on the reverence of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas.
2. Incorrect: Although Emperor Kanishka supported Mahayana Buddhism, he is not considered the founder. The development of Mahayana was a gradual process and not attributed to a single founder.
3. Incorrect: Mahayana scholars predominantly used Sanskrit, not Pali. Pali was primarily used in Theravada Buddhism.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct.

• Pair 1 is correctly matched: Parshvanatha introduced the fourfold restraint, consisting of vows for his followers: non-violence (Ahimsa), non-attachment (Aparigraha), non-stealing (Asteya), and truthfulness (Satya).
• Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Gautama Buddha is the founder of Buddhism, not associated with founding any sect of Jainism. The Digambara sect is part of Jainism, unrelated to Buddha’s teachings.
• Pair 3 is correctly matched: Chandragupta Maurya is historically recognized for adopting Jainism and contributing to its spread in South India during his later years.

Therefore Correct answer- Option B

1. Incorrect: Vajrayana Buddhism is not based on the principles of Theravada Buddhism. Instead, it is primarily based on Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, which is a different branch of Buddhism.

2. Correct: Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates the use of Tantras, Mantras, and Yantras in its practices. These elements are central to its rituals and spiritual exercises.

3. Correct: Tara is indeed a significant deity in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is venerated and plays an important role in the Vajrayana tradition.

Thus, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

The correct option is:

 Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct: Monks of the Digambara School indeed do not wear clothes, as they believe in complete nudity as a way of renouncing all material possessions.
• Statement II is correct: Monks of the Svetambara School wear simple white clothing and carry a few essential items like a begging bowl and a brush.

However, Statement II does not explain Statement I, as they pertain to different practices within two separate sects of Jainism.

Mahayana Buddhism differs from Hinayana Buddhism in its strong belief in universal liberation from the suffering of all beings. This core tenet emphasizes compassion and the concept of Bodhisattvas working towards the enlightenment of all sentient beings. Unlike Hinayana Buddhism, Mahayana places a significant focus on the altruistic goal of helping all beings achieve liberation, not just individual salvation.

- Statement-I: Buddhism did indeed originate from the story of Siddhartha (Buddha) in the Indian subcontinent, making this statement correct.
- Statement-II: Buddhism is indeed the world's fourth-largest religion after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, making this statement correct as well.
- Explanation: Both statements are factually correct, however, Statement-II does not provide an explicit explanation or information about Statement-I, hence the correct answer is (b) as both statements are correct but not interrelated in terms of explanation.

• Statement 1 is correct: Chandragupta Maurya's conversion to Jainism and his subsequent life as a Jain ascetic in Karnataka played a crucial role in introducing and spreading Jainism in South India.
• Statement 2 is correct: The great famine in Magadh prompted the migration of Jains to the South, under the leadership of Bhadrabahu. This migration was pivotal in spreading Jainism in South India.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Jainism did not support the Varna system; instead, it offered a spiritual path that transcended social hierarchies, attracting followers from various social backgrounds, including those marginalized by the Varna system.

Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Tantric Buddhism, is influenced by Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. This influence can be seen in various aspects of Vajrayana Buddhism, including rituals and philosophies, which have been shaped by the interactions between Buddhism and Shaivism.

• Statement-I is correct: Buddhism’s teachings, particularly its emphasis on non-violence, appealed to agricultural and trading communities. These communities saw in Buddhism a path that harmonized with their ethical views and economic interests, as peaceful conditions are beneficial for trade and agricultural productivity.
• Statement-II is correct: Buddhism’s stress on non-violence did indeed contribute to a reduction in warfare and conflicts in areas where it had influence, fostering a more stable and prosperous environment. This stability was beneficial for economic activities, including trade and agriculture.
• However, Statement-II does not serve as the direct explanation for Statement-I. While the reduction in conflicts created favorable conditions for economic activities, the direct adoption of Buddhism by agricultural and trading communities was more because of the religion's ethical teachings and the personal spiritual benefits perceived by individuals, rather than the broader socio-economic impact of reduced warfare.

• Pair 1 is correctly matched: Aparigraha, advocating for non-attachment to material possessions, is a core principle of Jainism.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched: The Middle Path, advocating a balanced way of life between asceticism and indulgence, is a central teaching of Buddhism.
• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Buddhism did not support the Varna system; instead, it offered a path that was accessible to all, irrespective of social standing.

1. Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya: This statement is correct. Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha, attained enlightenment (Nirvana) under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya at the age of 35.

2. The first sermon of Buddha after attaining Nirvana was at Deer Park in Sarnath: This statement is also correct. After attaining enlightenment, Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five companions at Deer Park in Sarnath, which is near Varanasi. This event is known as Dharma-chakra-pravartana (Turning the Wheel of Law).

3. The three major pitakas of Buddhism are written in Sanskrit: This statement is incorrect. The three major pitakas of Buddhism—Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma—are written in Pali, not Sanskrit. These texts are collectively known as the Tripitaka.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

- Statement 1 is correct: Mahavira attained enlightenment at age 42 and was called 'Jina,' which means conqueror, marking the foundation of Jainism.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Mahavira did not support the caste system; Jainism promotes spiritual equality regardless of caste.
- Statement 3 is correct:  Mahavira emphasized and elaborated on the concept of 'Aparigraha', advocating for minimalism and detachment from material possessions,
Thus, only two statements are correct.

• Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Great Famine of Magadh led to the migration of Jains to South India, significantly influencing Jainism’s spread.
• Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Chandragupta Maurya's ascetic life is associated with the spread of Jainism in Karnataka, not Buddhism.
• Pair 3 is correctly matched: The council convened at Pataliputra after the return of Jains from the South and those who stayed in Magadh during the famine led to the formal division into Digambara and Shvetambara sects.

The correct answer is B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Explanation:

• Statement-I is correct: Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates certain elements of Brahmanical rituals, adapting them within a Buddhist framework, while maintaining distinct Buddhist philosophies.
• Statement-II is also correct: Navayana Buddhism, as reinterpreted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, rejects traditional Buddhist doctrines like karma, rebirth, samsara, and the Four Noble Truths, focusing instead on social justice and equality.

However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as they refer to different Buddhist traditions with distinct characteristics.

The correct answer is A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

Explanation:

• Statement-I is correct: Jainism's teachings on non-violence (Ahimsa) have indeed led to the creation of communities focused on animal welfare and environmental conservation.
• Statement-II is also correct and provides the reasoning behind Statement-I: The principle of Ahimsa in Jainism emphasizes harmlessness towards all living beings, which has influenced both individual behavior and community-oriented practices towards protecting life and the environment.

Therefore, Statement-II correctly explains Statement-I.

The correct answer is B: Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct: Hinayana (or Theravada) Buddhism does not focus on idol or image worship of the Buddha and emphasizes individual salvation through self-discipline, meditation, and following the Buddha's teachings.
• Statement II is also correct: Mahayana Buddhism involves idol or image worship and emphasizes the divine nature of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas who embody Buddha Nature.

However, Statement II does not explain Statement I, as it merely describes the beliefs of Mahayana Buddhism rather than providing an explanation for the practices of Hinayana Buddhism.