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.

Let's evaluate both statements:

Statement-I:

"Vajrayana Buddhism combines Brahmanical (Veda-based) rituals with Buddhist philosophies."

• This statement is incorrect. Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates esoteric practices, tantric rituals, and teachings that are unique to Buddhism. While it incorporates ritual elements, these are not derived from Brahmanical or Vedic traditions. Vajrayana is focused on Tibetan and Himalayan practices and philosophies, rather than Veda-based rituals.

Statement-II:

"Navayana Buddhism rejects monk & monasticism, karma, rebirth in the afterlife, samsara, meditation, enlightenment & Four Noble Truths."

• This statement is correct. Navayana Buddhism, as developed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, focuses on social equality and justice, rejecting traditional elements like karma, rebirth, and monasticism. It departs significantly from the more traditional schools of Buddhism, including the rejection of the Four Noble Truths and other core doctrines.

Conclusion:

• Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Thus, the correct answer is:

Option 3: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

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.

1. Mahayana Buddhism believes in idol or image worship. This statement is correct as Mahayana Buddhism incorporates the worship of idols and images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

2. Emperor Kanishka of the Kushana dynasty is considered the founder of the Mahayana sect in the 1st century AD. This statement is also correct. Emperor Kanishka played a significant role in the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism.

3. The scholars of Mahayana Buddhism predominantly used the Pali language. This statement is incorrect. Mahayana Buddhist scholars predominantly used the Sanskrit language, not Pali.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only.

• 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

• Statement-I is correct: Jainism's emphasis on non-violence has indeed inspired the creation of communities and practices focused on animal welfare and environmental conservation. However, these outcomes are more modern interpretations and applications of Jain principles rather than direct historical developments.
• Statement-II is correct: The principle of Ahimsa is a central tenet of Jainism, advocating for compassion and non-harm towards all living beings. This principle influences both individual behavior and the broader ethical framework within which Jains operate.
• The relationship between the two statements is correct in the sense that Ahimsa influences community practices, but Statement-II is not a direct explanation for the creation of specialized communities as described in Statement-I.

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.

Statement I correctly characterizes Hinayana Buddhism, emphasizing its rejection of idol or image worship and its focus on individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation. However, Statement II inaccurately describes Mahayana Buddhism by stating that it believes in idol or image worship and emphasizes the heavenliness of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature. In reality, Mahayana Buddhism does incorporate idol or image worship and focuses on the concept of Bodhisattvas, but it does not necessarily emphasize the "heavenliness" of Buddha and Bodhisattvas in the same context as described in the statement. Thus, Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

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 the age of 42 and was thereafter known as the 'Jina', which signifies the conqueror. This marks the foundation of what is known today as Jainism.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Mahavira and Jainism did not advocate for the strict adherence to the caste system. Instead, Jainism provided a spiritual path that was accessible to all individuals, irrespective of their caste.
• Statement 3 is correct: The concept of 'Aparigraha' (non-attachment to possessions) is a fundamental teaching of Mahavira, emphasizing the importance of living a life of simplicity and detachment from material wealth.

• 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.