According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through __________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Karma
The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from this cycle, which is why the Jainas saw the monastic life as necessary for salvation.
Ahimsa (non-injury to living beings) is also central to Jaina philosophy, and truthfulness is one of the vows of Jaina monks and nuns. But these are rules of conduct; it is karma that decides the cycle of births.
NCERT (2025-26): “The Message of Mahavira … The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy. In fact the principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.…” |