The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world ________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → is animated.
Option (1) is an illusion. — Incorrect. The Jainas did not regard the world as unreal; for them it is full of life.
Option (2) is selfish. — Incorrect. Jaina thought does not judge the world in this way; its central principle is non-injury to living beings.
Option (3) is animated. — Correct. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. So non-injury to all living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy.
Option (4) is other worldly. — Incorrect. Jaina monks renounced the world to free themselves from the cycle of karma, but Jainism does not describe the world itself as other-worldly; it sees life in everything in this world.
NCERT (2026-27): “3.Beyond Worldly Pleasures … 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.…” |