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Buddhism & Jainism
History & Culture
Useful for: UPSC Civil Services
Overview
Buddhism and Jainism arose in the sixth century BCE as heterodox traditions stressing ethics, non-violence and liberation, supported by merchants and rulers.
Key points
- Buddha: born at Lumbini, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, first sermon at Sarnath (Dharmachakra-pravartana), death at Kushinagar.
- Teachings: Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path; texts in Pali — the Tripitaka.
- Buddhist councils: Rajagriha (Ajatashatru), Vaishali (Kalashoka), Pataliputra (Ashoka), Kashmir (Kanishka); the fourth council saw Mahayana emerge distinctly.
- Mahavira was the 24th tirthankara; Rishabhanatha the first; Parshvanatha (23rd) taught four vows and Mahavira added brahmacharya as the fifth.
- Jain triratna: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct.
- Jainism split into Shvetambara and Digambara sects.
Practice MCQs
From the perspective of definition and scope, which one of the following statements about Buddhism & Jainism is correct?
- Buddhism & Jainism has no exceptions or limitations in exam analysis.
- Both traditions emerged in the wider context of sixth-century BCE social and intellectual change.
- Buddhism and Jainism accepted the authority of the Vedas as the sole basis of their doctrines.
- Buddhism & Jainism is unrelated to institutions, processes or real-world applications.
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Answer: (b) Both traditions emerged in the wider context of sixth-century BCE social and intellectual change.. Both traditions emerged in the wider context of sixth-century BCE social and intellectual change.
Consider the following statements on Buddhism & Jainism, focusing on definition and scope: 1. Both traditions emerged in the wider context of sixth-century BCE social and intellectual change. 2. Buddhism and Jainism accepted the authority of the Vedas as the sole basis of their doctrines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: (a) 1 only. Statement 1 is correct; Statement 2 is a common misconception.
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