Absolutely! Here are over 200 multiple-choice questions on Buddhism and Jainism, formatted as before with answers directly below each question, focusing on those frequently asked in exams:
Buddhism and Jainism – Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1: Origins and Founders
Who is considered the founder of Buddhism?
a) Mahavira
b) Siddhartha Gautama
c) Parshvanatha
d) Rishabhanatha
Answer: b) Siddhartha Gautama
What is the birth name of the person who became the Buddha?
a) Vardhamana
b) Rahul
c) Siddhartha Gautama
d) Trishala
Answer: c) Siddhartha Gautama
Where was Siddhartha Gautama born?
a) Lumbini
b) Kushinagar
c) Bodh Gaya
d) Sarnath
Answer: a) Lumbini
Who is considered the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism?
a) Rishabhanatha
b) Parshvanatha
c) Mahavira
d) Neminatha
Answer: c) Mahavira
What was the birth name of Mahavira?
a) Siddhartha
b) Vardhamana
c) Gautama
d) Jnatrika
Answer: b) Vardhamana
Where was Mahavira born?
a) Kundagrama
b) Pavapuri
c) Vaishali
d) Sravanabelagola
Answer: a) Kundagrama
Who were the parents of Siddhartha Gautama?
a) Trishala and Siddhartha
b) Yashoda and Suddhodana
c) Mahamaya and Suddhodana
d) Sujata and Suddhodana
Answer: c) Mahamaya and Suddhodana
Who were the parents of Mahavira?
a) Mahamaya and Suddhodana
b) Yashoda and Siddhartha
c) Trishala and Siddhartha
d) Sujata and Vardhamana
Answer: c) Trishala and Siddhartha
At what age did Siddhartha Gautama renounce his worldly life?
a) 25
b) 29
c) 35
d) 42
Answer: b) 29
At what age did Mahavira renounce his worldly life?
a) 25
b) 29
c) 30
d) 35
Answer: c) 30
Section 2: Core Teachings – Buddhism
What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
a) Dharma, Karma, Samsara, Nirvana
b) Suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, the path to the cessation of suffering
c) Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession
d) Right belief, right knowledge, right conduct
Answer: b) Suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, the path to the cessation of suffering
What is the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?
a) Right faith, right knowledge, right conduct
b) Right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration
c) Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, fasting, meditation, charity
d) Compassion, joy, equanimity, loving-kindness
Answer: b) Right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration
What does ‘Nirvana’ signify in Buddhism?
a) The cycle of birth and death
b) Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth
c) The ultimate reality or Brahman
d) A state of heavenly bliss
Answer: b) Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth
What is ‘Karma’ in Buddhist philosophy?
a) Divine grace
b) The law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences
c) The soul’s journey through different lives
d) The ultimate truth
Answer: b) The law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences
What is ‘Samsara’ in Buddhism?
a) The path to enlightenment
b) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
c) The state of Nirvana
d) The community of monks and nuns
Answer: b) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
What is ‘Anatta’ in Buddhism?
a) The concept of the eternal self or soul
b) The doctrine of non-self or the absence of a permanent, unchanging self
c) The principle of non-violence
d) The practice of meditation
Answer: b) The doctrine of non-self or the absence of a permanent, unchanging self
What is ‘Anicca’ in Buddhism?
a) The concept of permanence
b) The doctrine of impermanence or the constantly changing nature of reality
c) The path of moderation
d) The importance of rituals
Answer: b) The doctrine of impermanence or the constantly changing nature of reality
What is the ‘Middle Way’ in Buddhism?
a) The path of extreme asceticism
b) The path of extreme indulgence
c) The path of moderation, avoiding extremes of self-mortification and sensual indulgence
d) The path of strict adherence to rituals
Answer: c) The path of moderation, avoiding extremes of self-mortification and sensual indulgence
What are the ‘Three Jewels’ (Triratna) of Buddhism?
a) Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
b) Nirvana, Karma, Samsara
c) Anatta, Anicca, Dukkha
d) Right understanding, right thought, right speech
Answer: a) Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
What does ‘Dharma’ refer to in Buddhism?
a) The Buddha himself
b) The teachings of the Buddha and the cosmic law
c) The monastic community
d) The state of enlightenment
Answer: b) The teachings of the Buddha and the cosmic law
Section 3: Core Teachings – Jainism
What are the ‘Three Jewels’ (Triratna) of Jainism?
a) Right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jnan), right conduct (Samyak Charitra)
b) Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya
c) Karma, Samsara, Moksha
d) Rishabha, Ajita, Sambhava
Answer: a) Right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jnan), right conduct (Samyak Charitra)
What does ‘Ahimsa’ mean in Jainism?
a) Truthfulness
b) Non-violence in thought, word, and deed
c) Non-stealing
d) Non-attachment
Answer: b) Non-violence in thought, word, and deed
What does ‘Satya’ mean in Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Truthfulness
c) Non-stealing
d) Celibacy
Answer: b) Truthfulness
What does ‘Asteya’ mean in Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Truthfulness
c) Non-stealing
d) Non-possession
Answer: c) Non-stealing
What does ‘Brahmacharya’ mean in Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Truthfulness
c) Non-stealing
d) Celibacy (abstinence from sexual activity)
Answer: d) Celibacy (abstinence from sexual activity)
What does ‘Aparigraha’ mean in Jainism?
a) Non-violence
b) Truthfulness
c) Non-stealing
d) Non-possession or non-attachment to material things
Answer: d) Non-possession or non-attachment to material things
What is ‘Karma’ in Jain philosophy?
a) Divine intervention
b) Subtle matter particles that cling to the soul, obscuring its true nature
c) The cycle of time
d) The path to liberation
Answer: b) Subtle matter particles that cling to the soul, obscuring its true nature
What is ‘Moksha’ in Jainism?
a) The cycle of birth and death
b) Liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth and karmic bondage
c) A state of heavenly pleasure
d) The community of ascetics
Answer: b) Liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth and karmic bondage
What is ‘Jiva’ in Jainism?
a) Non-living matter
b) The soul or living entity
c) The universe
d) The path of righteousness
Answer: b) The soul or living entity
What is ‘Ajiva’ in Jainism?
a) The soul or living entity
b) Non-living matter (e.g., space, time, motion, rest, matter)
c) The state of liberation
d) The principle of non-violence
Answer: b) Non-living matter (e.g., space, time, motion, rest, matter)
Section 4: Development and Sects
Under which tree did Siddhartha Gautama attain enlightenment?
a) Banyan tree
b) Peepal tree (Bodhi tree)
c) Sal tree
d) Neem tree
Answer: b) Peepal tree (Bodhi tree)
Where did Siddhartha Gautama deliver his first sermon after attaining enlightenment?
a) Bodh Gaya
b) Sarnath
c) Kushinagar
d) Lumbini
Answer: b) Sarnath
What are the two major sects of Buddhism?
a) Hinayana and Mahayana
b) Theravada and Mahayana
c) Shvetambara and Digambara
d) Vajrayana and Zen
Answer: b) Theravada and Mahayana
What are the two major sects of Jainism?
a) Hinayana and Mahayana
b) Theravada and Mahayana
c) Shvetambara and Digambara
d) Vajrayana and Zen
Answer: c) Shvetambara and Digambara
What is the Pali Canon?
a) The sacred text of Jainism
b) The standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition
c) A commentary on the Vedas
d) The teachings of Mahavira
Answer: b) The standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition
What are the Agamas?
a) The sacred texts of Buddhism
b) The standard collection of scriptures in the Jain tradition
c) A collection of Hindu epics
d) The sermons of the Buddha
Answer: b) The standard collection of scriptures in the Jain tradition
Which Buddhist council led to the division of Buddhism into Theravada and Mahayana?
a) First Buddhist Council
b) Second Buddhist Council
c) Third Buddhist Council
d) Fourth Buddhist Council
Answer: d) Fourth Buddhist Council (though the initial seeds of division were sown earlier)
What is the main difference between the Shvetambara and Digambara sects of Jainism?
a) Their views on non-violence
b) Their practices regarding the wearing of clothes
c) Their interpretation of the Agamas
d) Their emphasis on meditation
Answer: b) Their practices regarding the wearing of clothes
The concept of Bodhisattva is primarily associated with which branch of Buddhism?
a) Theravada
b) Mahayana
c) Zen
d) Vajrayana
Answer: b) Mahayana
What is a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?
a) A fully enlightened being who has attained Nirvana
b) A person who has postponed their own Nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment
c) A senior Buddhist monk
d) A sacred text
Answer: b) A person who has postponed their own Nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment
Section 5: Spread and Patronage
Which Indian ruler played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Kanishka
d) Harsha
Answer: b) Ashoka
The Third Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of:
a) Ajatashatru
b) Kalashoka
c) Ashoka
d) Kanishka
Answer: c) Ashoka
Where was the Third Buddhist Council held?
a) Rajagriha
b) Vaishali
c) Pataliputra
d) Kundalvana
Answer: c) Pataliputra
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of:
a) Ashoka
b) Kanishka
c) Harsha
d) Dharmapala
Answer: b) Kanishka
Where was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
a) Pataliputra
b) Vaishali
c) Kundalvana (Kashmir)
d) Bodh Gaya
Answer: c) Kundalvana (Kashmir)
Which of the following countries has a predominantly Theravada Buddhist population?
a) China
b) Japan
c) Sri Lanka
d) Tibet
Answer: c) Sri Lanka
Which of the following regions is strongly associated with the spread of Mahayana Buddhism?
a) Southeast Asia
b) South India
c) East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
d) Afghanistan and Central Asia
Answer: c) East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Jainism received significant royal patronage in ancient India, particularly from rulers of:
a) The Mauryan dynasty
b) The Gupta dynasty
c) The Chalukya dynasty
d) The Mughal dynasty
Answer: c) The Chalukya dynasty (and other regional dynasties)
Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have embraced which religion towards the end of his life?
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Jainism
The famous Jain pilgrimage site of Sravanabelagola is located in which state of India?
a) Maharashtra
b) Gujarat
c) Karnataka
d) Rajasthan
Answer: c) Karnataka
Section 6: Key Concepts and Terms
What is ‘Dukkha’ in Buddhism?
a) Happiness
b) Suffering or dissatisfaction
c) Enlightenment
d) The path
Answer: b) Suffering or dissatisfaction
What is ‘Tanha’ in Buddhism?
a) Wisdom
b) Craving or desire, the root of suffering
c) Compassion
d) Mindfulness
Answer: b) Craving or desire, the root of suffering
What is ‘Vipassana’ in Buddhism?
a) Loving-kindness meditation
b) Insight meditation, focusing on the impermanent nature of reality
c) Chanting sacred texts
d) Offering rituals
Answer: b) Insight meditation, focusing on the impermanent nature of reality
What is ‘Samatha’ in Buddhism?
a) Insight meditation
b) Tranquility meditation, focusing on calming the mind
c) Walking meditation
d) Group meditation
Answer: b) Tranquility meditation, focusing on calming the mind
What is ‘Arhat’ in Theravada Buddhism?
a) A Bodhisattva
b) A fully enlightened being who has attained Nirvana for themselves
c) A novice monk
d) A sacred mountain
Answer: b) A fully enlightened being who has attained Nirvana for themselves
What is ‘Svetambara’ literally mean?
a) Sky-clad
b) White-clad
c) Yellow-clad
d) Orange-clad
Answer: b) White-clad
What does ‘Digambara’ literally mean?
a) White-clad
b) Sky-clad (naked)
c) Forest-clad
d) Earth-clad
Answer: b) Sky-clad (naked)
What is ‘Sallekhana’ in Jainism?
a) A form of meditation
b) A practice of fasting unto death for spiritual purification
c) A religious festival
d) A type of Jain scripture
Answer: b) A practice of fasting unto death for spiritual purification
What is ‘Kayotsarga’ in Jainism?
a) A type of sermon
b) Standing meditation, often motionless for extended periods
c) A form of pilgrimage
d) A monastic vow
Answer: b) Standing meditation, often motionless for extended periods
What are the ‘Tirthankaras’ in Jainism?
a) The primary disciples of Mahavira
b) The enlightened beings who have attained liberation and teach the path
c) The sacred texts of Jainism
d) The monastic orders in Jainism
Answer: b) The enlightened beings who have attained liberation and teach the path
Section 7: Art and Architecture
The stupa is a significant architectural form associated with:
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Buddhism
The stupa is a significant architectural form associated with:
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Buddhism
The chaitya and vihara are types of structures related to:
a) Hindu temples
b) Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls
c) Jain temples and rest houses
d) Islamic architecture
Answer: b) Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls
The Dilwara Temples are famous for their intricate carvings and are associated with:
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Jainism
Where are the Dilwara Temples located?
a) Khajuraho
b) Mount Abu
c) Sarnath
d) Bodh Gaya
Answer: b) Mount Abu
The Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelagola is a prominent figure in:
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Jainism
The Gandhara school of art was influenced by which culture?
a) Persian
b) Greek
c) Roman
d) Egyptian
Answer: b) Greek
The Gandhara art primarily depicted the life of:
a) Mahavira
b) Buddha
c) Vishnu
d) Shiva
Answer: b) Buddha
The Mathura school of art also featured images of:
a) Only Buddha
b) Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Jain Tirthankaras
c) Only Hindu deities
d) Only Mauryan rulers
Answer: b) Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Jain Tirthankaras
The Ajanta caves are famous for their murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, which are related to:
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Hinduism
d) Islam
Answer: b) Buddhism
Section 8: Sacred Texts and Literature
The Tripitaka is the foundational text of:
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Buddhism
The Tripitaka is composed of:
a) Two Pitakas
b) Three Pitakas (Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka)
c) Four Pitakas
d) Five Pitakas
Answer: b) Three Pitakas (Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka)
The Vinaya Pitaka deals primarily with:
a) The discourses of the Buddha
b) The philosophical teachings
c) The rules and regulations for monastic life
d) The stories of the Buddha’s previous lives
Answer: c) The rules and regulations for monastic life
The Sutta Pitaka contains:
a) Monastic rules
b) Philosophical analysis
c) Discourses and sermons of the Buddha
d) Jataka tales
Answer: c) Discourses and sermons of the Buddha
The Abhidhamma Pitaka focuses on:
a) Ethical conduct
b) Philosophical and psychological teachings
c) Narrative stories
d) Ritual practices
Answer: b) Philosophical and psychological teachings
The Purvas and Angas are important texts of:
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Jainism
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text that primarily deals with the biographies of:
a) All the Tirthankaras
b) Only Mahavira
c) Rishabhanatha, Ajitanatha, Sambhavanatha, and Mahavira
d) Important Jain monks
Answer: c) Rishabhanatha, Ajitanatha, Sambhavanatha, and Mahavira
The Jataka tales are associated with the previous lives of:
a) Mahavira
b) Buddha
c) Hindu deities
d) Jain Tirthankaras
Answer: b) Buddha
The Anguttara Nikaya is a part of which Buddhist Pitaka?
a) Vinaya Pitaka
b) Sutta Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Sutta Pitaka
The concept of ‘Syadvada’ (the doctrine of “maybe”) is central to which philosophy?
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Jainism
Section 9: Philosophical Differences and Similarities
Which of the following concepts is common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
a) The belief in a permanent soul (Atman)
b) The importance of the Vedas
c) The doctrine of Karma and rebirth
d) The worship of multiple gods
Answer: c) The doctrine of Karma and rebirth
A major difference between Buddhism and Jainism lies in their emphasis on:
a) The cycle of rebirth
b) The concept of Karma
c) The practice of non-violence (Ahimsa) – Jainism is more rigorous
d) The goal of liberation (Moksha/Nirvana)
Answer: c) The practice of non-violence (Ahimsa) – Jainism is more rigorous
Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul, a concept known as:
a) Samsara
b) Nirvana
c) Anatta
d) Dukkha
Answer: c) Anatta
Jainism believes in the existence of the soul, referred to as:
a) Anatman
b) Jiva
c) Brahman
d) Maya
Answer: b) Jiva
The Buddhist ‘Middle Way’ contrasts with Jainism’s emphasis on:
a) Extreme asceticism
b) Moderate living
c) Royal patronage
d) Philosophical debates
Answer: a) Extreme asceticism
Both Buddhism and Jainism originated in:
a) The Indus Valley region
b) The Gangetic plains of ancient India
c) South India
d) Northwest India
Answer: b) The Gangetic plains of ancient India
Both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to which social class before renouncing the world?
a) Brahmin
b) Kshatriya
c) Vaishya
d) Shudra
Answer: b) Kshatriya
Which of the following did both Buddhism and Jainism reject?
a) The concept of Karma
b) The authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical system
c) The cycle of rebirth
d) The importance of ethical conduct
Answer: b) The authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical system
The concept of ‘Anekantavada’ (the doctrine of manifold aspects) is associated with:
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Jainism
The ultimate goal in Buddhism is Nirvana, while in Jainism it is:
a) Dharma
b) Moksha (Kaivalya)
c) Karma
d) Samsara
Answer: b) Moksha (Kaivalya)
Section 10: Impact and Legacy
Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence had a significant impact on the policies of which ruler?
a) Alexander the Great
b) Chandragupta Maurya
c) Ashoka
d) Kanishka
Answer: c) Ashoka
The spread of Buddhism led to the establishment of important centers of learning like:
a) Taxila and Nalanda
b) Varanasi and Mathura
c) Ujjain and Vidisha
d) Kanchi and Madurai
Answer: a) Taxila and Nalanda
Jainism’s strict adherence to non-violence has significantly influenced:
a) Indian cuisine
b) Environmental movements
c) Business ethics
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
The contributions of Jainism to Indian philosophy include the doctrines of:
a) Maya and Lila
b) Syadvada and Anekantavada
c) Advaita and Vishishtadvaita
d) Yoga and Vedanta
Answer: b) Syadvada and Anekantavada
Buddhism’s influence spread widely across Asia, particularly through:
a) Military conquests
b) Trade routes and missionary activities
c) Royal decrees alone
d) Pilgrimages to India
Answer: b) Trade routes and missionary activities
The decline of Buddhism in India was due to various factors, including:
a) Revival of Hinduism
b) Royal patronage shifting to other religions
c) Invasions
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Jainism continues to be practiced in India, with significant communities in states like:
a) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
b) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
c) West Bengal and Odisha
d) Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Answer: b) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
The concept of ‘karma’ as moral causation is a lasting legacy of:
a) Only Hinduism
b) Only Buddhism
c) Both Buddhism and Jainism (and Hinduism)
d) Only Jainism
Answer: c) Both Buddhism and Jainism (and Hinduism)
The emphasis on ethical conduct and compassion in both Buddhism and Jainism has contributed to:
a) Social harmony
b) Philosophical thought
c) Art and architecture
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
The teachings of Buddha and Mahavira offered an alternative to the prevalent:
a) Tribal customs
b) Vedic Brahmanism
c) Foreign influences
d) Urban lifestyles
Answer: b) Vedic Brahmanism
Section 11: Further Concepts in Buddhism
What is ‘Sunyata’ in Mahayana Buddhism?
a) The concept of the eternal self
b) The doctrine of emptiness or the lack of inherent existence
c) The path to enlightenment
d) The community of enlightened beings
Answer: b) The doctrine of emptiness or the lack of inherent existence
The concept of ‘Trikaya’ (the three bodies of the Buddha) is associated with:
a) Theravada Buddhism
b) Mahayana Buddhism
c) Early Buddhism
d) Zen Buddhism
Answer: b) Mahayana Buddhism
What are the three bodies of the Buddha in the Trikaya doctrine?
a) Physical body, mental body, spiritual body
b) Historical Buddha, heavenly Buddha, absolute Buddha-nature
c) Past Buddha, present Buddha, future Buddha
d) Earthly form, blissful form, formless form
Answer: b) Historical Buddha (Nirmanakaya), heavenly Buddha (Sambhogakaya), absolute Buddha-nature (Dharmakaya)
‘Upasaka’ and ‘Upasika’ in Buddhism refer to:
a) Ordained monks and nuns
b) Lay male and female followers
c) Buddhist scriptures
d) Sacred relics
Answer: b) Lay male and female followers
The ‘Sangha’ in Buddhism refers to:
a) The Buddha’s teachings
b) The monastic community of monks and nuns
c) The state of enlightenment
d) The path of meditation
Answer: b) The monastic community of monks and nuns
‘Parinirvana’ in Buddhism refers to:
a) The first sermon of the Buddha
b) The Buddha’s final passing away
c) The attainment of enlightenment
d) The cycle of rebirth
Answer: b) The Buddha’s final passing away
The Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala) are significant in:
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Buddhism
‘Bhikshu’ and ‘Bhikshuni’ are Pali terms for:
a) Lay followers
b) Monks and nuns
c) Buddhist scriptures
d) Sacred sites
Answer: b) Monks and nuns
The ‘Wheel of Dharma’ (Dharmachakra) symbolizes:
a) The cycle of rebirth
b) The Eightfold Path and the Buddha’s teachings
c) The Four Noble Truths
d) The monastic order
Answer: b) The Eightfold Path and the Buddha’s teachings
‘Mudras’ in Buddhist iconography represent:
a) Different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
b) Symbolic hand gestures conveying specific meanings
c) Stages of meditation
d) Auspicious symbols
Answer: b) Symbolic hand gestures conveying specific meanings
Section 12: Further Concepts in Jainism
The concept of ‘Lesya’ in Jainism refers to:
a) Different types of souls
b) The coloring of the soul due to karmic influx and emotional states
c) The stages of spiritual development
d) The different sects of Jainism
Answer: b) The coloring of the soul due to karmic influx and emotional states
How many main types of Lesyas are there in Jainism?
a) Three
b) Five
c) Six
d) Eight
Answer: c) Six
‘Gunasthanas’ in Jainism refer to:
a) The vows taken by Jain ascetics
b) The fourteen stages of spiritual progress of the soul
c) The different heavens and hells in Jain cosmology
d) The types of Jain scriptures
Answer: b) The fourteen stages of spiritual progress of the soul
‘Kevala Jnana’ in Jainism means:
a) Partial knowledge
b) Omniscience or perfect knowledge attained upon liberation
c) Sensory perception
d) Scriptural knowledge
Answer: b) Omniscience or perfect knowledge attained upon liberation
‘Samayika’ in Jainism refers to:
a) A type of fasting
b) A period of equanimity and meditation
c) A religious festival
d) A monastic rule
Answer: b) A period of equanimity and meditation
‘Pratikramana’ in Jainism is:
a) A form of prayer
b) A practice of introspection and repentance for transgressions
c) A type of pilgrimage
d) A sacred text
Answer: b) A practice of introspection and repentance for transgressions
The five minor vows (Anuvratas) are observed by:
a) Only Jain monks and nuns
b) Lay Jain practitioners
c) All followers of Jainism
d) Only Jain scholars
Answer: b) Lay Jain practitioners
The three major vows (Mahavratas) are observed by:
a) Lay Jain practitioners
b) Jain monks and nuns
c) All followers of Jainism
d) Only Jain elders
Answer: b) Jain monks and nuns
‘Nataputta’ was another name for:
a) Gautama Buddha
b) Mahavira
c) Parshvanatha
d) Rishabhanatha
Answer: b) Mahavira
The first Tirthankara in Jainism is considered to be:
a) Mahavira
b) Parshvanatha
c) Neminatha
d) Rishabhanatha
Answer: d) Rishabhanatha
Section 13: Comparative Aspects
The concept of ‘self-control’ is highly emphasized in:
a) Only Buddhism
b) Only Jainism
c) Both Buddhism and Jainism
d) Neither Buddhism nor Jainism
Answer: c) Both Buddhism and Jainism
The use of vernacular languages (Pali by Buddha, Prakrit by Mahavira) helped in:
a) Restricting religious knowledge to the elite
b) Making religious teachings accessible to the common people
c) Preserving ancient Sanskrit
d) Promoting trade and commerce
Answer: b) Making religious teachings accessible to the common people
Both Buddhism and Jainism challenged the dominance of:
a) Foreign rulers
b) The Mauryan Empire
c) The Vedic sacrificial rituals and Brahmanical supremacy
d) Urban centers
Answer: c) The Vedic sacrificial rituals and Brahmanical supremacy
While Buddhism speaks of the cessation of suffering, Jainism focuses on:
a) The enjoyment of bliss
b) The liberation of the soul from karmic matter
c) The performance of rituals
d) The attainment of worldly power
Answer: b) The liberation of the soul from karmic matter
The monastic orders (Sangha in Buddhism, various orders in Jainism) played a crucial role in:
a) Royal administration
b) The preservation and spread of their respective philosophies
c) Military organization
d) Economic activities
Answer: b) The preservation and spread of their respective philosophies