Consider the following statements in connection with Jainism. Choose the incorrect ones.
(A) The entire world is animated.
(B) The world is transient and constantly changing.
(C) The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma.
(D) One should follow the path of moderation.
(E) Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (B), (D) only
(A) The entire world is animated. Correct statement. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life.
(B) The world is transient and constantly changing. Incorrect statement. This is Buddhist philosophy: the world is transient (anicca), constantly changing and soulless (anatta).
(C) The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Correct statement. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma.
(D) One should follow the path of moderation. Incorrect statement. This too is the Buddha’s teaching: the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence. Jainism asks for the opposite, asceticism and penance.
(E) Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. Correct statement. Jainism holds that asceticism and penance free one from the cycle of karma, and this needs renouncing the world.
NCERT (2026-27): “3. Beyond Worldly Pleasures The Message of Mahavira … The basic philosophy of the Jainas was already in existence in north India before the birth of Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras – literally, those who guide men and women across the river of existence. 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.… 5. The Teachings of the Buddha … According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing; it is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it. Within this transient world, sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence. It is by following the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence that human beings can rise above these worldly troubles.…” |