Chap 07 - Jainism and Buddhism

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of a person's life according to Buddhism?

To achieve a high social status

To attain nirvana (correct)

To spread personal beliefs

To gain wealth and power

Which principle emphasizes non-violence in Buddhism?

Sangha

Nirvana

Karma

Ahimsa (correct)

Why did Buddhism spread rapidly among the common people?

The teachings were only for the wealthy and educated.

Monasteries were closed to the public.

Buddha preached in a language that was complex and ornate.

Buddha emphasized equality and simplicity in his teachings. (correct)

What was the role of kings like Ashoka in the spread of Buddhism?

They established universities and offered royal patronage. Signup and view all the answers

How did Buddha view the caste system?

He strongly condemned it and preached equality. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of Ahimsa advocate?

No one should harm any living creature. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the triratna in Jainism?

Right worship Signup and view all the answers

What was Mahavira's stance on the caste system?

All people are equal regardless of caste. Signup and view all the answers

Which sect of Jainism is known for its practice of not wearing clothes?

Digambaras Signup and view all the answers

What is Moksha in Jain belief?

Freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Mahavira's beliefs on God?

He did not believe in the existence of God. Signup and view all the answers

What language did Jain monks commonly use to preach?

Prakrit Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant architectural example of Jain influence?

Dilwara Temple Signup and view all the answers

What primarily led to the complexity and difficulty of religion by the end of the Later Vedic period?

The emergence of expensive and oppressive practices Signup and view all the answers

What was Vardhamana Mahavira's social status before he became an ascetic?

A kshatriya prince Signup and view all the answers

What term describes Mahavira after he achieved spiritual knowledge?

Jina Signup and view all the answers

What restricted the lower castes, particularly the shudras, during the Later Vedic period?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira?

They emphasized personal conquest of the self Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the reform movements initiated by Mahavira and Gautama Buddha?

The emergence of two new religious sects Signup and view all the answers

How long did Mahavira spend in penance and meditation to gain spiritual knowledge?

12 years Signup and view all the answers

What language were the Vedic texts written in, which contributed to the oppression of the common people?

Sanskrit Signup and view all the answers

What does the sangha refer to in Buddhism?

The community of monks following Buddha's teachings Signup and view all the answers

Which contributed to the decline of Buddhism in India?

Destroying of Buddhist viharas by the Huns Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest goal in both Buddhism and Jainism?

Attain moksha Signup and view all the answers

Which language did Buddha's monks primarily speak?

Pali Signup and view all the answers

How is Jainism different from Buddhism in terms of path to enlightenment?

Jainism follows a path of extreme austerity and physical suffering Signup and view all the answers

What were the Tripitakas and Jatakas in Buddhism?

Buddhist religious literature Signup and view all the answers

What movement did both Mahavira and Buddha start?

A reform movement against prevalent religious practices Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was NOT a reason for the spread of Buddhism outside India?

The decline of Hinduism in India Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Karma' signify in Jainism?

Actions deciding one's destiny Signup and view all the answers

Which group in Jainism is known for being 'sky clad'?

Digambaras Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Moksha' represent in Jain philosophy?

A state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms is associated with Buddhist literature?

Tripitakas Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Ahimsa' promote in both Jainism and Buddhism?

Non-violence towards all living beings Signup and view all the answers

What principle did both Buddhism and Jainism emphasize as key to their teachings?

Ahimsa, or non-violence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Mahavira's contributions?

He was the last tirthankara in Jainism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal according to Buddhist teachings?

Nirvana Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sects is associated with Jainism?

Svetambaras Signup and view all the answers

What key teaching did Buddha adopt after his enlightenment?

The four noble truths Signup and view all the answers

How did Buddhism differ from Jainism regarding the belief in life?

Buddhism does not recognize life in inanimate objects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the teachings of Jainism?

Rejection of rituals and a focus on ahimsa Signup and view all the answers

Which statement appropriately links Mahavira and Buddha?

Both taught the principle of ahimsa. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant event that led Siddhartha to renounce worldly ties?

Seeing an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and an ascetic Signup and view all the answers

How long did Siddhartha meditate under the Pipal tree?

49 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Buddhism?

Nirvana Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four noble truths?

Suffering can be overcome by wealth Signup and view all the answers

Who did Buddha preach his first sermon to?

The Deer Park in Sarnath Signup and view all the answers

Which path does Buddhism represent?

The middle path Signup and view all the answers

What caused Siddhartha to feel restless and detached from his life?

The knowledge of suffering Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Buddha die?

80 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Vedic Religion

Early Vedic religion was based on nature worship, simple and accessible.
Later Vedic period saw increased complexity with superstitions and costly rituals.
Brahmanas leveraged Vedic texts in Sanskrit for social and economic gain.
Lower castes, particularly shudras, faced isolation and restrictions on religious practices.

Jainism

Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara, is a central figure in Jainism.
Born in 540 BCE as a kshatriya prince, he renounced luxury at age 30 to seek truth.
After 12 years of penance, Mahavira attained spiritual knowledge and became a jina.
Jainism emphasizes key principles including ahimsa (non-violence), equality, and asceticism.
Rejects Vedic authority and all elaborate rituals.

Teachings of Mahavira

Advocated non-violence towards all living beings.
Opposed sacrifices, yagnas, and rituals of the Vedic tradition.
Affirmed equality of all individuals, regardless of caste.
Disbelieved in the existence of a supreme god.

Karma and Rebirth in Jainism

Karma influences the cycle of rebirth; good actions yield positive outcomes.
The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha (liberation from rebirth).
Moksha attained by following triratna: right knowledge, right belief, and right conduct.

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Born in 567 BCE in Lumbini as a kshatriya prince, Siddhartha enjoyed a life of luxury.
Encountered the "four great sights" triggering his journey towards enlightenment.
Lived as an ascetic for six years before attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Core Principles of Buddhism

Buddhism offers a middle path, avoiding extremes of asceticism and indulgence.
Key teachings include the Four Noble Truths:
- Existence of suffering.
- Desire as the root cause of suffering.
- Overcoming desire ends suffering.
- Achieving Nirvana leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The Eightfold Path outlines the moral code and practices leading to Nirvana.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddha preached in Pali for broader accessibility among common people.
Established monasteries, forming the sangha, which became educational hubs.
Royal patronage, especially from Emperor Ashoka, aided the expansion of Buddhism.

Decline of Buddhism

Gradual decline in India due to revival of Hinduism and invasions.
Despite reduced presence in India, Buddhism thrives in Southeast Asia and other regions.

Comparative Analysis: Jainism and Buddhism

Similarities

Both arose in response to corrupt religious practices.
Shared concepts of karma, moksha, non-violence, and rejection of Vedic authority.
Focused on moral values and preached in the language of the people.

Differences

Buddha's teachings led to a new religion (Buddhism), while Mahavira was a proponent of existing Jain ideals.
Jainism emphasizes extreme asceticism; Buddhism offers a more moderate approach to spiritual practice.

Subsects of Jainism

Following Mahavira's death, Jainism split into Digambaras (sky-clad) and Svetambaras (white-clad).
Digambaras advocate complete nudity for monks, while Svetambaras allow white clothing.
Jain literature found in sacred texts like Purvas and Angas.

Important Terms

Tirthankaras: Religious teachers in Jainism, with Mahavira as the last.
Ahimsa: Principle of non-violence central to Jainism and Buddhism.
Karma: Law of moral causation affecting one's destiny.
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Sangha: Community of Buddhist monks.
Tripitakas and Jatakas: Core scriptures of Buddhism.

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Description

This quiz explores the teachings and principles of Jainism and Buddhism in the context of religious evolution from the Early to the Later Vedic period. Test your knowledge on key aspects of these faiths and their responses to the complexities of later Vedic rituals. Delve into how these religions sought to address the issues arising within society and spirituality.