Which of the following statements about Buddhism is incorrect?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → By following the path of extremism and severe penance, one can attain freedom.
Option (1) The world is constantly changing. — Correct statement. According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing.
Option (2) The world is soulless, nothing is permanent. — Correct statement. The world is also soulless (anatta), as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it.
Option (3) The world is full of sorrow (dukkha). — Correct statement. Within this transient world, sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence.
Option (4) By following the path of extremism and severe penance, one can attain freedom. — Incorrect statement. The Buddha taught the opposite: human beings rise above worldly troubles by following the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence.
NCERT (2026-27): “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.…” |