Studying ancient history is paramount for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Prelims examination, especially when it comes to the profound influences of Buddhism and Jainism. These two ancient Indian religions not only shaped the spiritual landscape of the subcontinent but also influenced socio-political dynamics. The UPSC Prelims frequently feature questions related to the origins, teachings, key figures, and historical significance of Buddhism and Jainism. Delving into their doctrines, spread, and impact on society provides invaluable insights into the cultural tapestry of ancient India. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore topic-wise questions focusing on Buddhism and Jainism, aiding aspirants in their preparation for this critical segment of the examination.
Q1. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by (1995)
(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) The Lokayukta School
Ans. (c)
Exp.
- Anuvrata: These are the small vows observed by Jain laypersons.
- Mahavrata: These are the great vows observed by Jain mendicants.
- Five Anuvratas:
- Ahimsa: Non-violence or non-harming.
- Satya: Truthfulness.
- Asteya: Non-stealing.
- Brahmacharya: Celibacy or chastity.
- Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness or non-attachment.
- Supplementary Vows:
- Three Gunavratas: Additional vows for developing meritorious qualities.
- Four Sikshavratas: Vows for self-discipline and self-improvement.
Q2. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jaina literature? (1996)
(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra
Ans. (a)
Exp. – The Therigatha does not belong to the early Jaina literary tradition; rather, it is a Buddhist scripture. This collection comprises brief poems recited by early members of the Buddhist Sangha during the 6th century BC in India. The Acarangasutra and Sutrakritanga serve as the initial and secondary Angas, respectively, among the twelve Angas, which were compiled based on the teachings of Lord Mahavira. Additionally, the Brihatkalpasutra contains the biographies of Jain Tirthankaras, prominently featuring Parshvanatha and Mahavira.
Q3. Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the king Menander and the Buddhist monk (1997)
(a) Nagasena
(b) Nagarjuna
(c) Nagabhatta
(d) Kumarila Bhatta
Ans. (a)
Exp. – The Milindapanho takes shape as a dialogue between King Menander and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. This Buddhist text captures King Menander’s inquiries regarding Buddhist doctrines and ethical quandaries, met with responses from Nagasena.
Q4. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara was also known as (1997)
(a) Vajrapani
(b) Manjusri
(c) Padmapani Bodhisattva
(d) Maitreya
Ans. (c)
Exp. – In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is alternatively referred to as ‘Padmapani,’ meaning either ‘Holder of the Lotus’ or ‘Lord of the World.’ In Sanskrit, Avalokiteshvara is also known as Padmapani. Among the Mahayana deities, Avalokiteshvara is the only one widely revered by ordinary Buddhists in Theravada countries, where he is also recognized as ‘Natha-Deva’ in Sri Lanka.
Vajrapani emerges as one of the earliest Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism.
Manjusri is a Bodhisattva closely associated with Prajna (Wisdom) within Mahayana Buddhism.
According to Buddhist belief, Maitreya is anticipated as the next great Buddha to manifest on Earth, succeeding Gautama Buddha.
Q5. The concept of Eight-Fold path forms the theme of (1998)
(a) Dipavamsa
(b) Divyavadana
(c) Mahaparinirvana Sutta
(d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta
Ans. (d)
Exp. – The Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta centers on the Eight-Fold Path, a core teaching of Buddha, aimed at the cessation of suffering and achieving self-awakening. Represented by the Dharma wheel, its eight spokes symbolize its elements. These include right understanding, speech, livelihood, mindfulness, thought, action, effort, and concentration. The Dipavamsa stands as Sri Lanka’s oldest historical record, likely compiled from various sources in the 3rd-4th century AD, while the Divyavadana offers a Sanskrit anthology of Buddhist narratives, many tracing back to the Mahaparinirvana Vinaya.
The Mahaparinirvana Sutta, found in the Digha Nikaya as Sutta 16, is a prominent scripture within the Sutta Pitaka of Theravada Buddhism. It holds significance as the lengthiest discourse in the Pali canon, focusing on the culmination of Gautama Buddha’s life.
Q6. Assertion (A) The emphasis of Jainism on De non-violence (Ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism.
Reason (R) Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests. (2000)
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are explanation of A. but R is not the correct
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Ans. (a)
Exp. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. Jainism’s emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa) extends beyond physical violence to include refraining from any form of harm, including agricultural activities. According to Jainism, Ahimsa encompasses not only the avoidance of physical violence but also the absence of the desire to engage in any kind of violence, including agricultural practices. Consequently, Jainism prohibits farming as a profession due to the harm caused to creatures in the soil, as cultivation involves killing insects and pests. Thus, Jainism prioritizes the prevention of agricultural works in line with its principle of non-violence.
Q7. Consider the following statements (2003)
1. Vardhaman Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka.
2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Koshalan dynasty.
3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras.
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Statements (2) and (3) are correct.
Gautama Buddha’s mother hailed from the Koshalan dynasty as a princess named Mahamaya. She was married to King Shuddhodhana. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, was born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Banaras.
Statement (1) is erroneous because Trishla, the mother of Vardhaman, also known as Mahavira, was the sister of the Lichchhavi ruler Chetaka.
Q8. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statements is correct? (2004)
(a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu
(b) The Jainism who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the council held at Pataliputra
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the 1st century BC
(d) In the initial stage, of Jainism, the Jain worshipped images unlike Buddhist
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Statement (c) accurately describes ancient Jainism. In the 1st century BC, Jainism received support from Kharavela, the king of Kalinga, as evidenced by the Hanthigumpha inscription which records his patronage towards various religious orders, including Jainism.
Statements (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect. Jainism spread in South India under the guidance of Bhadrabahu. Those Jain followers who remained under Bhadrabahu’s leadership were known as Digambaras after the council convened at Pataliputra. In Jainism, unlike Buddhism, adherents did not worship images.
Q9. Consider the following statements. (2006)
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Statement (2) stands correct, affirming that the Pala rulers of Eastern India were notable supporters of Buddhism. They were responsible for the establishment of significant Buddhist learning centers like Odantapura, Vikramashila, and Somapura.
Statement (1) is inaccurate. Contrary to it, the majority of inscriptions from the Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India document either the erection of Buddhist Viharas or the donations made to them. This evidence suggests that the Ikshvaku rulers were not opposed to Buddhism; instead, they actively supported and patronized it.
Q10. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following? (2009)
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Vaishnavism
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Anekantavada, the foundational theory and philosophy of Jainism, posits that truth encompasses multiple dimensions. It elucidates that truth and reality are perceived diversely from various perspectives, and no single viewpoint embodies absolute truth. Jainism, among the world’s ancient religions, aims for spiritual liberation from the perpetual cycles of rebirth, aspiring towards attaining Moksha.
Q11. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times? (2010)
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus, became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time rog of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
3. The kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (a)
Exp. –
Statement (1) accurately describes the decline of Buddhism in India during the early medieval period. Buddha came to be regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu, integrating into Vaishnavism, while the resurgence of Hindu cultural practices, the ascendancy of Brahmins, and the growing popularity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism were key factors contributing to Buddhism’s decline.
Statements (2) and (3), however, are erroneous. The decline of Buddhism in India cannot be solely attributed to invaders from the Middle-East such as Arabs and Persians, who indeed persecuted Buddhists and contributed to the destruction of institutions like Nalanda. These invaders predominantly adhered to Islam, although some among them did adopt Buddhism. Furthermore, the Gupta dynasty did not oppose Buddhism; rather, it extended royal patronage to Buddhism during its reign.
Q12. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolises (2011)
(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Statement (b) is accurate in stating that Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes depicted with a hand gesture known as the ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. This gesture symbolizes Buddha’s calling upon the Earth to bear witness to his purity and steadfastness, particularly during the moment of his enlightenment when he was tempted by Mara, the demon of desire. Mara, in attempts to sway Buddha from his path, deployed armies, various temptations, and ultimately issued a challenge to prove his enlightenment. In response, Buddha touched the Earth, invoking it as a witness to his spiritual triumph. This act of ‘touching the Earth’ holds profound significance in Buddhist sculpture, representing Buddha’s resolute commitment to his path despite the trials posed by Mara.
Q13. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? (2012)
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Statements (2) and (3) accurately depict shared aspects of ancient Indian history pertinent to both Buddhism and Jainism. Both religions contested the authority of the Vedas and their Brahmin priests, renouncing the significance of sacrificial rituals, disapproving of animal sacrifices, and abstaining from the worship of a divine entity.
However, Statement (1) requires correction. While Jainism advocated for rigorous ascetic practices, Buddhism emphasized the Middle Path, advocating for a balanced approach that avoids the extremes of both indulgence and severe austerity.
Q14. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jaina Doctrine? (2013)
1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (d)
Exp. – All three statements regarding the Jaina Doctrine are accurate. According to Jainism, the practice of austerities and self-control is essential to alleviate the consequences of Karma, with penance being the most effective method to annihilate it. The foundational belief of Jainism lies in the presence of a soul in every living being, spanning from plants to humans, and this belief underpins the entire doctrine. Within Jain theology, Karma is described as karmic dirt, comprising subtle particles permeating the universe, and liberation from worldly affairs is achieved once the soul breaks free from its karmic bonds. Hence, the ultimate goal in Jainism is the cessation of Karma, which is seen as the impediment to the soul’s journey towards emancipation.
Q15. Which one of the following best describes the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? (2013)
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Ans. (a)
Exp. – Statement (a) accurately captures the essence of Nirvana in Buddhism. Nirvana, signifying ‘the blowing out’ in Sanskrit, signifies the cessation of desire, leading to the cessation of suffering. It symbolizes the extinguishing of personal desires and the calming of the fiery passions of life.
Q16. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? (2014)
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans. (c)
Exp. – He journeyed through the realms of Kosala and Magadha, threading through their towns and villages, imparting his philosophical teachings. Avanti and Gandhara, however, remained unlinked to the direct narrative of the Buddha’s life.
Q17. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Kosala and Magadha were intricately linked with the journey of the Buddha. Born into the Shakya tribe in the northern region of Kosala, the Buddha frequently imparted his teachings in the capital city of Shravasti. It was during the final 25 years of his life that he resided there during the rainy seasons. The pinnacle of his spiritual awakening, enlightenment, was achieved at Bodh Gaya, a significant site within the domain of the Magadha Kingdom.
Q18. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements. (2016)
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Statements (2) and (3) accurately depict the religious history of India. A Bodhisattva embodies compassion on the path to enlightenment, striving to liberate sentient beings from suffering, thus delaying personal salvation. Statement (1) is erroneous, as the concept of Bodhisattva primarily pertains to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Q19. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements. (2017)
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Only statement (2) accurately reflects the religious history of India. According to the Sarvastivadin belief, the elements of phenomena persist in a latent state rather than being entirely momentary. Sarvastivadins assert the impermanence of all empirical things, while also holding the belief that everything exists continuously across past, present, and future. Statement (1) is inaccurate since Sautrantika and Sammitiya are sects within Buddhism, not Jainism.
Q20. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (2018)
(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara boll
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Maitreya stands as the beacon of hope in Buddhist prophecy, the future Buddha destined to bring salvation to the world. Embedded within Buddhist Eschatology, the name “Maitreya” foretells the advent of the future Buddha. Positioned as the fifth Buddha to manifest in this era or Kalpa, Maitreya is revered across various Buddhist scriptures, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, often referred to as “Ajita.”
Q21. Consider the following. (2019)
1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals
Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (d)
Exp. – The essence of Mahayana Buddhism is embodied in several key features. Chief among them are the deification of the Buddha, the pursuit of the Bodhisattva path, and the practice of image worship and rituals. Mahayana Buddhism, a prominent branch within the Buddhist tradition, diverged by venerating the Buddha as a divine figure rather than solely a profound teacher, thus introducing the worship of Buddha’s images. Its teachings predominantly revolve around following the paths of numerous Bodhisattvas, embodying compassion and enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Q22. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements. (2020)
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravada sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b)
Exp. – Statements (2) and (3) accurately depict aspects of India’s religious history. Lokottaravada, an early Buddhist school, emerged as a subgroup of the Mahasamghika, as per Mahayana sources compiled by Bhaviveka, Vinitadeva, and others. The Lokottaravadin views are preserved in texts like the Mahavastu, a rare Sanskrit text from the Mahasamghika tradition, revealing their belief in numerous contemporaneous buddhas across all directions, akin to Mahayana traditions.
However, Statement (1) is erroneous, as the Theravada school traces its lineage to the Vibhajjavada, a branch within the Sthavira Nikaya. Prior to the Dipavamsa (4th century), it was known by this name, but eventually, it adopted the term Theravada, likely to reaffirm its connection to the original Sthaviravada, the Sanskrit equivalent of Theravada in Pali.
Q23. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? (2020)
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in (sutra) style aphoristic
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Statement (c) accurately describes the cultural history of India regarding the term ‘Paramitas’. In the cultural context of India, ‘Paramita’ is commonly interpreted as ‘perfection’. In Buddhism, it signifies a path aimed at perfecting specific virtues, leading individuals toward the attainment of enlightenment as a Samma Sambuddha or Bodhisattva. Statements (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect. The earliest Dharmashastra texts were composed in prose style, not verse. Additionally, many Hindi philosophical schools acknowledged the authority of the Vedas and were considered orthodox (Astika) schools. Finally, medieval South India saw the operation of various trade guilds such as Gatrigas, Nagarathar, Settis, Kavarai, among others.
Q24. With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts. (2022)
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (b)
Exp. – The Parishishtaparvan, also recognized as the Sthaviravali-charitra stands as a Sanskrit Mahakavya from the 12th century penned by Hemachandra. It meticulously narrates the chronicles of the earliest Jain mentors. Alongside, the Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana, a significant Jain scripture, predominantly authored by Acharya Jinasena during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha and later concluded by his disciple Gunabhadra in the 9th century AD, holds paramount importance in Jain tradition.
Contrarily, Texts 1 and 3 find no connection to Jainism. Nettipakarana, a mythical Buddhist scripture, occasionally incorporated in the Khuddaka Nikaya of Theravada Buddhism’s Pali Canon, diverges from Jain teachings. Similarly, the Avadanashataka, also known as the ‘Century of Noble Deeds,’ represents a compilation of one hundred Buddhist legends in Sanskrit, believed to have originated around the same period as the Ashokavadana.
Q25. With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs. (2022)
Historical Known as
1. Aryadeva Jaina Scholar
2. Dignaga Buddhist Scholar
3. Nathamuni Vaishnava Scholar
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) None of the pairs
(b) Only one pair
(c) Only two pairs
(d) All three pairs
Ans. (c)
Exp. – Pairs (2) and (3) are accurately aligned with Indian history. Dignaga, an eminent Indian Buddhist scholar, pioneered the foundations of deductive logic in India, establishing the first system of Buddhist logic and epistemology. Nathamuni, a prominent Vaishnava theologian, curated the Nalayira Divya Prabandham and authored works such as Yogarahasya and Nyayatattva. However, Pair 1 is inaccurately matched, as Aryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk, disciple of Nagarjuna, and a distinguished Madhyamaka philosopher.
Q26. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? (2023)
(a) Andhra
(b) Gandhara
(c) Kalinga
(d) Magadha
Ans. (a)
Exp. – Dhanyakataka, once a thriving hub of Buddhism under the Mahasanghikas, is nestled in Andhra Pradesh. Numerous literary accounts narrate the rich Buddhist heritage in Andhra Pradesh during the pre-Mauryan era. Amaravati and Dhanyakataka stand out as prominent Buddhist sites, each steeped in significance. Amaravati is revered as the birthplace of one of Buddha’s previous incarnations, while Dhanyakataka is renowned as a site where Buddha delivered his teachings.
Q27. “Souls are not only the property of a animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.” The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? (2023)
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism
Ans. (b)
Exp. – The provided statement embodies a fundamental principle of Jainism, an ancient spiritual tradition originating in India. Jainism espouses the doctrine of Jiva, which encompasses the essence of life found not only in sentient beings like animals and plants but also in inert objects such as rocks, water, and other elements of nature.
FAQs
Q: What were the major teachings of Gautama Buddha?
Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, emphasized the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are:
- The truth of suffering (Dukkha).
- The truth of the cause of suffering (Samudaya).
- The truth of the end of suffering (Nirodha).
- The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (Magga).
- The Eightfold Path consists of Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Q: Who were the major disciples of Gautama Buddha?
Gautama Buddha had many prominent disciples, but the most notable ones are:
- Sariputta: Known for his wisdom and considered the foremost in wisdom among the disciples.
- Moggallana: Known for his psychic powers and was considered the foremost in supernormal powers.
- Ananda: Buddha’s cousin and close companion, who was known for his excellent memory and learning abilities.
- Mahakasyapa: Known for his adherence to ascetic practices and was appointed as the leader of the sangha after Buddha’s death.
Q: What are the different schools of Buddhism?
There are several schools of Buddhism that emerged after the passing away of Gautama Buddha. Some of the major ones include:
- Theravada: Also known as the “Teaching of the Elders,” it emphasizes the original teachings of Buddha and is prevalent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
- Mahayana: Known as the “Great Vehicle,” it emphasizes compassion and the belief in the Bodhisattva ideal. It is widespread in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea.
- Vajrayana: Also known as the “Diamond Vehicle,” it is prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism and emphasizes esoteric rituals and practices.
- Zen: A school of Mahayana Buddhism known for its emphasis on meditation and direct experience of enlightenment, prominent in Japan.
Q: What are the Five Precepts in Buddhism?
The Five Precepts are basic ethical guidelines that lay Buddhists undertake to live by. They are:
- Refraining from taking life (not killing).
- Refraining from taking what is not given (not stealing).
- Refraining from sexual misconduct.
- Refraining from false speech (not lying).
- Refraining from intoxicants that cloud the mind.
Q: Who was Mahavira and what were his teachings?
- Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara (ford-maker) in Jainism. He lived in ancient India around the 6th century BCE.
- Mahavira preached the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), and Brahmacharya (celibacy).
- He emphasized the importance of self-discipline, austerity, and the renunciation of worldly attachments as means to attain spiritual liberation or Moksha.
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