Jainism and Buddhism - Questions & Answers

1. Which of the following is not correct about the Angas?
(a) They are 12 in number and called Dwadashangi
(b) They were originally composed in Pali.
(c) Acharang Sutra deals with the code of conduct for a Jain monk
(d) Vyakya Pragnapti is popularly known as Bhagavati Sutra.
Answer: (b) They were originally composed in Pali.

2. Which of the following means "Three Baskets" of Buddhist canon?
(a) Jataka (b) Tripitikas (c) Angas (d) Dwadashangi
Answer: (b) Tripitikas

3. Besides the five vows and other general doctrines of Jainism, Jains are expected to have knowledge of the ________ truths.
(a) seven (b) five (c) ten (d) nine
Answer: Besides the five vows and other general doctrines of Jainism, Jains are expected to have knowledge of the (d) nine truths.

4. Jataka tales give information about
(a) Buddha's previous births (b) Socio-economic conditions
(c) Climatic conditions (d) None of the above.
Answer: (a) Buddha's previous births

5. Vardhamana Mahavira was the
(a) Twenty fourth tirthankara (b) Sixth tirthankara
(c) First tirthankara (d) Tenth tirthankara
Answer: (a) Twenty fourth tirthankara

6. Which is not a Tri-ratna according to Jain belief?
(a) Right faith (b) Right speech
(c) Right knowledge (d) Right conduct
Answer: (b) Right speech

7. Tirthankaras are
(a) saints preaching doctrines of Hinduism.
(b) saints preaching doctrines of Buddhism.
(c) saints preaching doctrines of Jainism.
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (c) saints preaching doctrines of Jainism.

8. What is salvation better known as?
(a) Moksha (b) Karma
(c) Dharma (d) Atma
Answer: (a) Moksha

9. Buddha's Great Renunciation was the result of
(a) the four great sights (b) his marriage to a princess
(c) his turning into an ascetic (d) All of the above.
Answer: (a) the four great sights

10. Which of the following is incorrect?
(a) Mahabhiskramana : The Great Renunciation
(b) Dharmachakraparvartana : Turning of the wheel of sacred law
(c) Chaudharma : Four Noble Truths
(d) Ashtangika Marg : Eightfold Path
Answer: (c) Chaudharma : Four Noble Truths

11. The members of the monastic orders of Buddhism are called ________ and ________
(a) Bhikshus; Bhikshunis (b) Bikhu; Bikani
(c) Sangha; Sanghi (d) Vinaya; Vinayaka
Answer: The members of the monastic orders of Buddhism are called Bhikshus and Bhikshunis.

12. Buddhist texts were mainly composed in
(a) Sanskrit (b) Pali (c) Prakrit (d) All of the above.
Answer: (b) Pali

13. Semi-circular solid domes are called ________ ; monasteries are called ________ and ________ are large rectangular prayer halls.
(a) Stupas, viharas, chaityas (b) Viharas, chaityas, stupas
(c) Chaityas, viharas, stupas (d) Stupas, chaityas viharas
Answer: Semi-circular solid domes are called Stupas ; monasteries are called viharas and chaityas are large rectangular prayer halls.

14. Which of the following vows means "practising chastity"?
(a) Asteya (b) Ahimsa (c) Aparigraha (d) Brahmacharya
Answer: (d) Brahmacharya

1. (A) During this period, Jainism and Buddhism emerged as important religious reform movements.
(R) In the sixth century BCE, orthodox religious beliefs and practices were challenged by the new sects.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (R) is the reason for (A)

2. (A) Angas and Upangas are Jain texts which were orally passed on by religious leaders to their pupils.
(R) Tripitikas are the most important literary works of Jains.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (R) is false

3. (A) Jainism and Buddhism grew and spread as a reaction against ritualism prevalent in the existing religious practices.
(R) Most of the Vedic literature was composed in Sanskrit and difficult to be understood by the common people.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.

4. (A) Mahavira attained salvation at Pavapuri in Bihar.
(R) Mahavira gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (R) is false

5. (A) Jains believe in Moksha or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
(R) According to Jainism, good deeds alone liberate a man from the cycle of birth and death.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (R) is the reason for (A)

6. (A) Mahavira adopted the language of the common people, i.e., Prakrit, to preach his doctrines.
(R) Buddhists adopted Pali language in their literature.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.

7. (A) Jains believe in Nine Truths and Tri-ratnas.
(R) Buddhists believe in Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.

8. (A) Both Jainism and Buddhism do not accept the Vedas.
(R) Buddhism believes in the middle path whereas Jainism believes in hard penance.
(a) (R) contradicts (A)
(b) (R) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
(d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (R) are independent of each other.

1. What are Angas? What is the subject matter of these Angas?
Answer: The Angas are the 12 compilations of Lord Mahavira's teachings, collectively known as Dwadashangi. Their subject matter primarily deals with the code of conduct for Jain monks (such as in the Acharang Sutra) and expounds Jain doctrines and philosophy in a comprehensive manner (such as in the Bhagavati Sutra).

2. What are the Tripitikas? Name the three Tripitikas.
Answer: Tripitikas, meaning "Three Baskets", are the most important literary works and canonical texts of the Buddhists, written in Pali. The three Tripitikas are the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

3. State two important causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.
Answer: Two important causes for their rise were: (i) Reaction against expensive and elaborate religious ritualism that ordinary people could not afford. (ii) The rigid caste system which did not allow any social mobility and created strict divisions in society.

4. Who was Vardhamana Mahavira? Give the significance of both parts of his name.
Answer: Vardhamana Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last tirthankara and the founder of popular Jainism. His father's kingdom was prosperous at the time of his birth, so he was called Vardhamana (Prosperity). Due to his immense bravery and having saved his colleagues from dangers, he was called Mahavira (Great Hero).

5. List any four vows prescribed for the Jains.
Answer: Four vows prescribed for Jains are: (i) Ahimsa (non-violence), (ii) Achaurya or Asteya (not stealing), (iii) Satya (not telling a lie), and (iv) Aparigraha (not possessing property).

6. What are known as the Triratnas?
Answer: The Triratnas (three jewels) in Jainism are the three paths to attain Moksha (salvation) or freedom from worldly bonds. They are: (a) Right faith, (b) Right knowledge, and (c) Right conduct.

7. Name a reason for Jainism having few followers.
Answer: Jainism laid extreme stress on severe penance and absolute non-violence (like avoiding harm to even the tiniest insects and observing death by starvation, called santhara). Very few people could follow such an austere and difficult life, which kept its follower count low.

8. Who was Gautam Buddha? Where was he born?
Answer: Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. He was born as Siddharth in 563 BCE at Lumbini near Kapilavastu, in Nepal.

9. What are known as the Four Great Sights?
Answer: The Four Great Sights are the four scenes witnessed by Gautam Buddha that changed his life: An old man bent with age, a sick man groaning with pain, a dead body being carried for cremation, and a peaceful ascetic in search of salvation.

10. How did Buddha attain enlightenment?
Answer: After leaving his home (The Great Renunciation), Gautama wandered, studied under renowned teachers, and practised severe penance. Finally, at the age of thirty-five, he attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar under a peepal tree.

11. Give Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.
Answer: The Four Noble Truths are: (i) The world is full of suffering. (ii) The suffering has a cause. (iii) Desire is the cause of suffering. (iv) If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.

12. Give any four points of the Eightfold Path of Buddha.
Answer: Four points of the Eightfold Path are: (i) Right action, (ii) Right thought, (iii) Right belief, and (iv) Right living.

13. Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. What is this event called? What is the literal meaning of the name of the event.
Answer: This event is called Dharmachakrapravartana. Its literal meaning is "turning of the wheel of sacred law".

14. State any two features of Buddhism that attracted people towards it.
Answer: Two features that attracted people were: (i) Its simple "middle path" which avoided extreme penance and empty rituals. (ii) Its emphasis on equality, universal brotherhood, and rejection of the rigid caste system, welcoming people of all classes.

1. With reference to the sources of information about Jainism and Buddhism, state the significance of the following:
(a) Angas
(b) Tripitikas
(c) Jatakas
Answer:
(a) Angas: They are the 12 primary literary texts of Jainism compiled by Mahavira's disciples. They hold great significance as they detail the code of conduct for Jain monks and expound Jain doctrines comprehensively.
(b) Tripitikas: Comprising the Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma Pitakas, these "Three Baskets" are the most important and reliable source of Buddhist religion and philosophy, offering a glimpse into the social, economic, and political life in the age of Buddha.
(c) Jatakas: These are tales describing the previous births of Buddha. They are significant because they highlight Buddhist morals and throw immense light on the political, economic, and social conditions of the people from the fifth to the second century BCE.

2. With reference to Jainism and Buddhism, answer the following questions:
(a) Give briefly the background of the socio-economic conditions in 6th century BCE.
(b) State any three causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.
(c) How are the religions similar?
Answer:
(a) In the 6th century BCE, Aryan settlements expanded to the east. The widespread use of iron tools helped clear forests and increase agricultural production, generating surplus food. This surplus allowed the emergence of towns with specialized crafts, leading to settled lives and the formation of large kingdoms known as mahajanapadas. Materialism and spiritualism existed side by side.
(b) Three causes for their rise were: 1. Reaction against expensive and elaborate religious rituals beyond the means of common people. 2. A rigid caste system that prevented social mobility and intermingling. 3. Difficult language; Vedic literature was composed in Sanskrit, which common people could not understand, prompting them to look for alternative simpler religions.
(c) Jainism and Buddhism are similar in several ways: the founders of both religions were Kshatriyas, both rejected the authority of the Vedas, both believed in attaining salvation (moksha/nirvana) from the cycle of birth and death, and both made non-violence (ahimsa) their central creed.

3. With reference to Jainism answer the following questions:
(a) Who was Mahavira? Why was he called Jina?
(b) State the five vows which a Jain householder has to take.
(c) State the Jains' view on Karma and Salvation.
Answer:
(a) Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last tirthankara and the founder of Jainism. He was called Jina (the conqueror) because he practised severe penance for 12 years and successfully subdued and conquered all his worldly desires.
(b) The five vows are: Ahimsa (non-violence), Achaurya or Asteya (not stealing), Satya (not telling a lie), Aparigraha (not possessing property), and Brahmacharya (practising chastity).
(c) Jains believe that every individual is responsible for their own Karma, and good deeds alone liberate a person from the cycle of life and death. Salvation (Moksha) can only be attained by leading an austere life of non-violence and self-denial, and by practising the tri-ratnas (right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct).

4. With reference to Buddhism, answer the following questions:
(a) Who was Gautama Buddha? How did he achieve enlightenment?
(b) What is known as 'Dharmachakrapravartana'?
(c) Why did Buddha have a large following?
Answer:
(a) Gautama Buddha, originally named Siddharth, was the founder of Buddhism, born into the Kshatriya Sakya clan. He achieved enlightenment by renouncing his worldly royal life, wandering in search of truth, studying under renowned teachers, and finally practising severe penance under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya until he attained Supreme Knowledge at the age of thirty-five.
(b) 'Dharmachakrapravartana' refers to the pivotal event in the history of Buddhism when Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath in the presence of five ascetics. It translates to the "turning of the wheel of sacred law".
(c) Buddha had a large following because he taught a simple middle path midway between luxury and hard penance. He rejected empty rituals, animal sacrifices, and caste distinctions, and instead emphasized equality, moral living, and universal brotherhood, making his teachings accessible and appealing to common people and rulers alike.

5. With reference to the given pictures, answer the questions that follow.
(a) State the other two scenes associated with these pictures. What are the four scenes together called?
(b) Explain briefly the impact of each of these scenes on Gautam Buddha.
(c) What was the final outcome of these scenes on Gautam Buddha? State the two events which followed the final outcome.
Answer:
(a) The other two scenes are a sick man and a dead man being carried for cremation. Together, the four scenes (an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and an ascetic) are called 'The Four Great Sights'.
(b) The sight of the old man, the sick man, and the dead body made Gautama deeply reflect on human destiny and realize that the world is full of suffering. Seeing the peaceful ascetic wandering in search of salvation consoled him and inspired him to seek a solution to human sorrow.
(c) The final outcome was that Gautama renounced his worldly life, leaving his wife and child, to become an ascetic in search of truth—an event known as The Great Renunciation (Mahabhiskramana). The two major events that followed were his Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and his first sermon at Sarnath, known as Dharmachakrapravartana.

6. With reference to the given pictures, answer the questions that follow.
(a) Identify the two preachers, whose images are given. Name the religions founded by them.
(b) Mention three main teachings of each of the two religions founded by these preachers.
(c) Mention any two similarities and two dissimilarities between the two religions founded by them.
Answer:
(a) Image (A) is Vardhamana Mahavira, the founder of popular Jainism. Image (B) is Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
(b) Three main teachings of Jainism are: the Five Vows (including Ahimsa), the Nine Truths, and the Tri-ratnas (Right faith, Right knowledge, Right conduct). Three main teachings of Buddhism are: the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path (the middle path), and the Code of Conduct emphasizing universal brotherhood and morality.
(c) Similarities: Both founders belonged to the Kshatriya clan, and both religions rejected the authority of the Vedas and believed in non-violence (Ahimsa). Dissimilarities: Buddhism advocated a balanced "middle path" while Jainism emphasized extreme penance and austerity. Furthermore, Buddhism spread far beyond Indian borders to other countries, whereas Jainism remained largely confined within India.

1. The most important precept of Jainism is ahimsa or non-violence. It was popularised by Mahatma Gandhi during India's freedom struggle. Do you think the philosophy of ahimsa is as relevant today as it was in the era of Mahavira?
Answer: Yes, the philosophy of ahimsa is exceptionally relevant today. In a modern world often divided by political conflicts, social strife, and wars, ahimsa provides a powerful tool for peaceful conflict resolution. It encourages empathy, mutual respect, and tolerance, reminding humanity that lasting change and global harmony cannot be achieved through violence but through peaceful dialogue and non-violent resistance.

2. List the similarities and differences in the religions — Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
Answer:
Similarities: All three religions originated in India and share fundamental concepts like the theory of Karma (actions have consequences) and the cycle of rebirth. They all emphasize moral living and aim for ultimate salvation or liberation (known as Moksha or Nirvana) from the continuous cycle of birth and death.
Differences: Hinduism heavily relies on the authority of the Vedas and traditionally upheld the caste system, whereas both Jainism and Buddhism rejected Vedic authority and strongly opposed caste discrimination. In terms of practice, Jainism demands severe penance and extreme non-violence, Buddhism advocates a balanced "middle path", and Hinduism offers a variety of paths including complex rituals, sacrifices, and devotion to multiple deities.

3. Buddhism which emerged in ancient India against the Brahmanical social order is becoming quite popular because of its secular beliefs in contemporary India. State your views giving examples.
Answer: Buddhism's growing popularity in contemporary India is largely due to its rational, egalitarian, and secular beliefs. It rejects rigid caste hierarchies and complex rituals, focusing instead on humanistic values like universal brotherhood, equality, and compassion. For example, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led a mass conversion of Dalits to Buddhism in 1956 to escape the oppressive caste system of the Brahmanical order, finding in Buddhism a religion that respects human dignity and aligns perfectly with modern democratic and secular ideals.

4. Write the script of a play on the life and times of Gautam Buddha.
Answer:
Title: The Path to Enlightenment
Scene 1: The Palace of Kapilavastu
(Prince Siddharth is surrounded by luxury, musicians, and dancers. Yet, he looks detached.)
Siddharth: (Sighs) This wealth, this comfort... it feels empty. There must be more to life than these palace walls.

Scene 2: The Streets of the Kingdom
(Siddharth rides his chariot. He suddenly spots a sick man groaning, an old man bent over, and a dead body.)
Siddharth: Charioteer, why do these people suffer? Is this the fate of all men?
Charioteer: Yes, my Prince. Age, disease, and death spare no one.
(Siddharth then sees a calm Ascetic.)
Siddharth: Who is that man? He possesses nothing, yet he looks perfectly at peace.
Charioteer: He is a seeker of truth, my Prince. He has left the world to find an end to suffering.

Scene 3: The Bodhi Tree
(Siddharth, now an ascetic, sits motionless in deep meditation under a peepal tree.)
Siddharth: I will not move until I understand the root of suffering. (He attains enlightenment, glowing with newfound wisdom) Desire is the root of all pain. I am awakened. I am the Buddha.

Scene 4: Deer Park at Sarnath
(Buddha stands before five ascetics.)
Buddha: Do not resort to extreme luxury or extreme penance. Follow the Middle Path. Listen to the Four Noble Truths and walk the Eightfold Path, and you shall find true liberation from sorrow.