Q.39 Jains celebrate five major events in the life of a Tirthankar. They are called Kalyanak (auspicious events). Consider the following with reference to them.
1. Chyavana Kalyanak is the event when the Tirthankar's soul is born.
2. Diksha Kalyanak is the event when the Tirthankar's soul attains true knowledge.
3. Kevaljnana Kalyanak is the event when Tirthankar’s soul leaves the physical existence and becomes a siddha.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
Solution: (d)
Justification: Chyavana Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul departs from its last life, and is conceived in the mother’s womb.
Janma Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul is born.
Diksha Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul gives up all his/her worldly
possessions and becames a monk/nun. (Digambar sect does not believe that women can become Tirthankar or be liberated.)
Kevaljnana Kalyanak - This is event when Tirthankar’s soul destroys the four ghati karmas completely and attains the Kevaljnana (absolute knowledge). Celestial angels set Samavsaran for Tirthankars from where he/she delivers the first sermon. This is the most important event for the entire Jain order as the Tirthankar reinstates Jain Sangh and preaches the Jain path of purification and liberation.
Nirvana Kalyanak - This event is when a Tirthankar’s soul is liberated from this worldly physical existence forever and becomes a Siddha. On this day, the Tirthankar’s soul destroys the four aghati karmas completely, and attains salvation, the state of eternal bliss.
Q.40 Jainism postulates that time has no beginning or end. It moves like the wheel of a cart. In this context what are Avsarpani and utsarpini?
(a) Eternal cycles of moral rise and decline
(b) Time of the birth and death of a Tirthanakara respectively
(c) Two auspicious time portals when one can attain true Kaivalya
(d) Timeline of the birth of first and last Tirthankara respectively
Solution: (a)
Learning: Time rolls along in eternal cycles of rise and decline. Utsarpini is a "rising" era in which human morale and natural conditions improve over time.
At the end of Utsarpini, begins Avasarpini, a "declining" era of the same length, in which human morale and virtues deteriorate.
During the middle of every rising and declining era twenty-four souls become Tirthankaras.
They are the humans like us who rise to that level. While accumulating different karmas, they also accumulate get a special karma called Tirthankar Nam Karma in the last 3rd of their life by performing one or more of the 20 special austerities.
Tirthankar Nam Karma matures in the final life and leads the person to become a Tirthankara. After attaining omniscience, Tirthankara reorganize Jain religion to suit the changing times.
Q.41 Consider the following about the spread of Jainism.
1. Mahavira allowed both men and women to join Jain Sanghas.
2. The then rulers of Southern Indian patronized Jainism.
3. Chandragupta Maurya is said to have persecuted Jainas on account of their severe ascetic practices.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) None of the above
Solution: (a)
Justification: Mahavira organised the Sangha to spread his teachings. He admitted both men and women in the Sangha, which consisted of both monks and lay followers.
The rapid spread of Jainism was due to the dedicated work of the members of the Sangha. It spread rapidly in Western India and Karnataka.
Statement 3: Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela of Kalinga and the royal dynasties of south India such as the Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas patronized Jainism.
By the end of the fourth century B.C., there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley. Many Jain monks led by Bhadrabagu and Chandragupta Maurya came to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka.
Those who stayed back in north India were led by a monk named Sthulabahu who changed the code of conduct for the monks. This led to the division of Jainism into two sects Svetambaras and Digambaras.
Q.42 The Jainas believe that the natural and supernatural things of the universe can be traced back to seven fundamental elements. They include
1. Jiva
2. Vinijja
3. Kshati
4. Samvara
5. Nirjana
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Solution: (b)
Justification: These are jiva, ajivaa, astikaya, bandha, samvara, nirjana, and moksa. Substances like body which exist and envelope (like a cover) are astïkaya.
Anastikayas like ‘time’ have no body at all. The substance is the basis of attributes (qualities).
The attributes that we find in a substance are known as dharmas. The Jainas believe that things or substance have attributes.
These attributes also change with the change of kala (time). From their point of view, the attributes of a substance are essential, and eternal or unchangeable.
Without essential attributes, a thing cannot exist. So, they are always present in everything.
For example, consciousness (chetana) is the essence of the soul; desire, happiness and sorrow are its changeable attributes.
Q.43 The Principle of “Right Faith” as propounded by Mahavira Jaina is that
(a) That all sentient beings are destined to salvation
(b) All must understand their role in spiritual life and strictly follow the doctrine of ahimsa
(c) Unshaken belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira
(d) Not believing in the theory of a God or a creator
Solution: (c)
Justification: The three principles or Triratnas of Jainism are right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.
Triratnas—3 Gems of Jainism
Samyak Shradha/ Vishwas (Right Faith) — Belief of Tirthankaras
Samyak man or Gyan (Right Knowledge) — Knowledge of Jam belief
Samyak Karma/Acharana (Right Action/Conduct) — Practise of 5 vows of Jainism
Learning: Mahavira regarded all objects, both animate and inanimate, have souls and various degrees of consciousness. They possess life and feel pain when they are injured.
Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it causes injury to the earth, worms and
animals. Similarly the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture.
Q.44 Consider the following statements about certain beliefs of sects of Jainism.
1. Digambaras believe that women cannot achieve liberation without first being reborn as a man.
2. Digambara monks are not allowed any possessions, not even personal begging bowls.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (c)
Answer Justification :
Concept: Jains are divided into two major sects; the Digambara (meaning sky clad) sect and the Svetambara (meaning white clad) sect. Each of these sects is also divided into subgroups.
The two sects agree on the basics of Jainism, but disagree on:
details of the life of Mahavira
the spiritual status of women
whether monks should wear clothes
rituals
which texts should be accepted as scripture
Justification: Statement 1: As per them, this is because women cannot live a truly ascetic life, because they have to possess clothes. They believe true monks must live without clothes.
Statement 2: They believe that one can become a monk only
by having no worldly possessions
by demonstrating indifference to earthly emotions such as shame
Digambara monks are not allowed any possessions, not even begging bowls and so can only receive gifts in their cupped hands.
Q.45 Jainism advocates three principles known as Triratnas (three gems) which are right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. On the other hand, Buddhism preaches four noble truths and the eightfold path. What is/are common between the teachings of both religions?
1. Acceptance of the theory that God exists and it has multiple aspects
2. Understanding that no object possesses a soul and is inanimate in the larger flow of life
3. To practice ahimsa and abstain from acquiring precious metals like Gold and Silver
4. Penance and extreme austerity to punish the body
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Solution: (b)
Justification: We will explain it in the light of teachings of Mahavira.
Statement 1 and 2: Right Knowledge (as per Mahavira) is the acceptance of the theory that there is no God and that the world has been existing without a creator and that all objects possess a soul. Buddhism sheds any discussion on God and soul as futile. Buddha also taught that the soul does not exist, so there is no meeting ground in this case. So, 1 and 2 are wrong.
Statement 3: Right conduct (Jainism) refers to the observance of the five great vows such as not to injure life, not to lie, not to steal, not to acquire property and not to lead an immoral life. Buddhism also forbids its monks from acquiring property (that may bring a sense of ego and pride to its monks and nuns) and injuring life. So, 3 is a meeting ground.
Statement 4: Only Jainism advocates extreme penance, Buddhism preaches moderation. So, 4 is wrong.
Q.46 Adipurana written by Gunabhadra is a work on the
(a) Commentary of esoteric aspects found in the Vedas
(b) Life stories of various Jain saints
(c) Sanskrit Grammar
(d) Verses used in sacrificial ceremony
Solution: (b)
Justification: It is a 9th century Sanskrit poem composed by Jinasena, a Digambara monk. It deals with the life of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, and other saints.
Learning: Amogavarsha I, who was a Jain patronized many Jain scholars.
His teacher Jinasena composed Parsvabhudaya, a biography of Parsva in verses.
Sakatayana wrote the grammer work called Amogavritti. And, the great mathematician of this period, Viracharya was the author of Ganitasaram.
Q.47 Consider the following statements with reference to Jaina sects.
1. The Svetambara tradition of Jainism trace their lineage through Sthulabhadra.
2. As per the Digambara sect of Jainism, Bhadrabahu was the last Shruta Kevalin.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (c)
Justification & Learning: Statement 1: By the end of the fourth century B.C., there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley. Many Jain monks led by Bhadrabagu and Chandragupta Maurya came to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka.
Those who stayed back in north India were led by a monk named Sthulabahu who changed the code of conduct for the monks.
This led to the division of Jainism into two sects Svetambaras (whiteclad) and Digambaras (Sky-clad or Naked).
The first Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by Sthulabahuin the beginning of the 3rd century B.C.
Statement 2: According to the Digambara sect of Jainism, there were five Shruta Kevalins in Jainism
Govarddhana Mahamuni, Vishnu, Nandimitra, Aparajita and Bhadrabahu.
Shrutakevalin is a term used in Jainism for those ascetics who have complete knowledge of Jain Agama (texts).
1. Chyavana Kalyanak is the event when the Tirthankar's soul is born.
2. Diksha Kalyanak is the event when the Tirthankar's soul attains true knowledge.
3. Kevaljnana Kalyanak is the event when Tirthankar’s soul leaves the physical existence and becomes a siddha.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
Solution: (d)
Justification: Chyavana Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul departs from its last life, and is conceived in the mother’s womb.
Janma Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul is born.
Diksha Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul gives up all his/her worldly
possessions and becames a monk/nun. (Digambar sect does not believe that women can become Tirthankar or be liberated.)
Kevaljnana Kalyanak - This is event when Tirthankar’s soul destroys the four ghati karmas completely and attains the Kevaljnana (absolute knowledge). Celestial angels set Samavsaran for Tirthankars from where he/she delivers the first sermon. This is the most important event for the entire Jain order as the Tirthankar reinstates Jain Sangh and preaches the Jain path of purification and liberation.
Nirvana Kalyanak - This event is when a Tirthankar’s soul is liberated from this worldly physical existence forever and becomes a Siddha. On this day, the Tirthankar’s soul destroys the four aghati karmas completely, and attains salvation, the state of eternal bliss.
Q.40 Jainism postulates that time has no beginning or end. It moves like the wheel of a cart. In this context what are Avsarpani and utsarpini?
(a) Eternal cycles of moral rise and decline
(b) Time of the birth and death of a Tirthanakara respectively
(c) Two auspicious time portals when one can attain true Kaivalya
(d) Timeline of the birth of first and last Tirthankara respectively
Solution: (a)
Learning: Time rolls along in eternal cycles of rise and decline. Utsarpini is a "rising" era in which human morale and natural conditions improve over time.
At the end of Utsarpini, begins Avasarpini, a "declining" era of the same length, in which human morale and virtues deteriorate.
During the middle of every rising and declining era twenty-four souls become Tirthankaras.
They are the humans like us who rise to that level. While accumulating different karmas, they also accumulate get a special karma called Tirthankar Nam Karma in the last 3rd of their life by performing one or more of the 20 special austerities.
Tirthankar Nam Karma matures in the final life and leads the person to become a Tirthankara. After attaining omniscience, Tirthankara reorganize Jain religion to suit the changing times.
Q.41 Consider the following about the spread of Jainism.
1. Mahavira allowed both men and women to join Jain Sanghas.
2. The then rulers of Southern Indian patronized Jainism.
3. Chandragupta Maurya is said to have persecuted Jainas on account of their severe ascetic practices.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) None of the above
Solution: (a)
Justification: Mahavira organised the Sangha to spread his teachings. He admitted both men and women in the Sangha, which consisted of both monks and lay followers.
The rapid spread of Jainism was due to the dedicated work of the members of the Sangha. It spread rapidly in Western India and Karnataka.
Statement 3: Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela of Kalinga and the royal dynasties of south India such as the Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas patronized Jainism.
By the end of the fourth century B.C., there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley. Many Jain monks led by Bhadrabagu and Chandragupta Maurya came to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka.
Those who stayed back in north India were led by a monk named Sthulabahu who changed the code of conduct for the monks. This led to the division of Jainism into two sects Svetambaras and Digambaras.
Q.42 The Jainas believe that the natural and supernatural things of the universe can be traced back to seven fundamental elements. They include
1. Jiva
2. Vinijja
3. Kshati
4. Samvara
5. Nirjana
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Solution: (b)
Justification: These are jiva, ajivaa, astikaya, bandha, samvara, nirjana, and moksa. Substances like body which exist and envelope (like a cover) are astïkaya.
Anastikayas like ‘time’ have no body at all. The substance is the basis of attributes (qualities).
The attributes that we find in a substance are known as dharmas. The Jainas believe that things or substance have attributes.
These attributes also change with the change of kala (time). From their point of view, the attributes of a substance are essential, and eternal or unchangeable.
Without essential attributes, a thing cannot exist. So, they are always present in everything.
For example, consciousness (chetana) is the essence of the soul; desire, happiness and sorrow are its changeable attributes.
Q.43 The Principle of “Right Faith” as propounded by Mahavira Jaina is that
(a) That all sentient beings are destined to salvation
(b) All must understand their role in spiritual life and strictly follow the doctrine of ahimsa
(c) Unshaken belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira
(d) Not believing in the theory of a God or a creator
Solution: (c)
Justification: The three principles or Triratnas of Jainism are right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.
Triratnas—3 Gems of Jainism
Samyak Shradha/ Vishwas (Right Faith) — Belief of Tirthankaras
Samyak man or Gyan (Right Knowledge) — Knowledge of Jam belief
Samyak Karma/Acharana (Right Action/Conduct) — Practise of 5 vows of Jainism
Learning: Mahavira regarded all objects, both animate and inanimate, have souls and various degrees of consciousness. They possess life and feel pain when they are injured.
Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it causes injury to the earth, worms and
animals. Similarly the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture.
Q.44 Consider the following statements about certain beliefs of sects of Jainism.
1. Digambaras believe that women cannot achieve liberation without first being reborn as a man.
2. Digambara monks are not allowed any possessions, not even personal begging bowls.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (c)
Answer Justification :
Concept: Jains are divided into two major sects; the Digambara (meaning sky clad) sect and the Svetambara (meaning white clad) sect. Each of these sects is also divided into subgroups.
The two sects agree on the basics of Jainism, but disagree on:
details of the life of Mahavira
the spiritual status of women
whether monks should wear clothes
rituals
which texts should be accepted as scripture
Justification: Statement 1: As per them, this is because women cannot live a truly ascetic life, because they have to possess clothes. They believe true monks must live without clothes.
Statement 2: They believe that one can become a monk only
by having no worldly possessions
by demonstrating indifference to earthly emotions such as shame
Digambara monks are not allowed any possessions, not even begging bowls and so can only receive gifts in their cupped hands.
Q.45 Jainism advocates three principles known as Triratnas (three gems) which are right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. On the other hand, Buddhism preaches four noble truths and the eightfold path. What is/are common between the teachings of both religions?
1. Acceptance of the theory that God exists and it has multiple aspects
2. Understanding that no object possesses a soul and is inanimate in the larger flow of life
3. To practice ahimsa and abstain from acquiring precious metals like Gold and Silver
4. Penance and extreme austerity to punish the body
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Solution: (b)
Justification: We will explain it in the light of teachings of Mahavira.
Statement 1 and 2: Right Knowledge (as per Mahavira) is the acceptance of the theory that there is no God and that the world has been existing without a creator and that all objects possess a soul. Buddhism sheds any discussion on God and soul as futile. Buddha also taught that the soul does not exist, so there is no meeting ground in this case. So, 1 and 2 are wrong.
Statement 3: Right conduct (Jainism) refers to the observance of the five great vows such as not to injure life, not to lie, not to steal, not to acquire property and not to lead an immoral life. Buddhism also forbids its monks from acquiring property (that may bring a sense of ego and pride to its monks and nuns) and injuring life. So, 3 is a meeting ground.
Statement 4: Only Jainism advocates extreme penance, Buddhism preaches moderation. So, 4 is wrong.
Q.46 Adipurana written by Gunabhadra is a work on the
(a) Commentary of esoteric aspects found in the Vedas
(b) Life stories of various Jain saints
(c) Sanskrit Grammar
(d) Verses used in sacrificial ceremony
Solution: (b)
Justification: It is a 9th century Sanskrit poem composed by Jinasena, a Digambara monk. It deals with the life of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, and other saints.
Learning: Amogavarsha I, who was a Jain patronized many Jain scholars.
His teacher Jinasena composed Parsvabhudaya, a biography of Parsva in verses.
Sakatayana wrote the grammer work called Amogavritti. And, the great mathematician of this period, Viracharya was the author of Ganitasaram.
Q.47 Consider the following statements with reference to Jaina sects.
1. The Svetambara tradition of Jainism trace their lineage through Sthulabhadra.
2. As per the Digambara sect of Jainism, Bhadrabahu was the last Shruta Kevalin.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (c)
Justification & Learning: Statement 1: By the end of the fourth century B.C., there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley. Many Jain monks led by Bhadrabagu and Chandragupta Maurya came to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka.
Those who stayed back in north India were led by a monk named Sthulabahu who changed the code of conduct for the monks.
This led to the division of Jainism into two sects Svetambaras (whiteclad) and Digambaras (Sky-clad or Naked).
The first Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by Sthulabahuin the beginning of the 3rd century B.C.
Statement 2: According to the Digambara sect of Jainism, there were five Shruta Kevalins in Jainism
Govarddhana Mahamuni, Vishnu, Nandimitra, Aparajita and Bhadrabahu.
Shrutakevalin is a term used in Jainism for those ascetics who have complete knowledge of Jain Agama (texts).
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