Read the passage and answer the questions:
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. In the earliest forms of Buddhism whether or not god existed was irrelevant.
Which of the following idea is NOT a part of the teachings of the Buddha?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Claims of superiority based on birth.
The passage is on the Buddha’s teachings. What drew men and women to Buddhism was the importance attached to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on birth, and the emphasis on metta (fellow feeling) and karuna (compassion). Claims of superiority by birth were what the Buddha set aside, not what he taught.
Hence, the answer is claims of superiority based on birth.
NCERT (2026-27): “6. Followers of the Buddha … Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death, as it appealed to many people dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them. The importance attached to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on birth, the emphasis placed on metta (fellow feeling) and karuna (compassion), especially for those who were younger and weaker than oneself, were ideas that drew men and women to Buddhist teachings.” |