Which of the following is NOT an idea popularized by Jainism?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → ‘Survival of the fittest’ is the motto of Jain Philosophy.
Option (1) Entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. — Correct statement. This is the most important idea in Jainism.
Option (2) Non-injury to living beings is central to Jain Philosophy. — Correct statement. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy; this principle of ahimsa has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole.
Option (3) The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped by karma. — Correct statement. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma, and asceticism and penance are needed to free oneself from it.
Option (4) ‘Survival of the fittest’ is the motto of Jain Philosophy. — Incorrect statement. A world where only the strongest survive goes against the heart of Jainism, which asks for non-injury to every living being, even the smallest insect.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.3 Debates and discussions … 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.…” |