Religions & Philosophy — Set 1

Correct Answer: B. Samkhya

• **Samkhya** = It is considered the oldest school of ancient Indian philosophy, founded by Sage Kapila. • **Dualistic philosophy** — Samkhya divides the universe into Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), serving as the theoretical foundation for Yoga. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Yoga]: Focuses on practical application and meditation, systematized by Patanjali; [Vaisheshika]: Known for its theory of atomism, founded by Kanada; [Nyaya]: Concentrates on logic and epistemology, founded by Gautama.

Correct Answer: C. Buddhism

• **Buddhism** = The concept of 'Ashtangika Marga' or the Eightfold Path is a core teaching in this religion. • **Eightfold Path** — Taught by Gautama Buddha to end human suffering and achieve Nirvana, it is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jainism]: Follows principles like Anekantavada and the Five Great Vows; [Sikhism]: Founded by Guru Nanak Dev, emphasizes monotheism and equality; [Hinduism]: A diverse religion with many paths, but the Eightfold Path is specific to Buddhism.

Correct Answer: C. Adi Shankara

• **Adi Shankara** = He is the primary proponent of the 'Advaita Vedanta' school of non-dualism. • **Four mathas** — Adi Shankara consolidated the doctrine by establishing four mathas across India, revitalizing the Vedic tradition. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Basavanna]: Associated with the Veerashaiva tradition; [Ramanuja]: A proponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, a qualified non-dualism; [Madhvacharya]: A proponent of Dvaita Vedanta, a dualistic philosophy.

Correct Answer: A. Logic and Epistemology

• **Nyaya** = This school of philosophy focuses primarily on logic and epistemology, founded by Sage Gautama. • **Four sources of knowledge** — Nyaya identifies perception, inference, comparison, and testimony as valid means of obtaining knowledge. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Devotion]: More central to Bhakti traditions; [Atomism]: The core concept of the Vaisheshika school; [Ritualism]: Primarily emphasized by the Purva Mimamsa school.

Correct Answer: B. Jainism

• **Jainism** = This major religion is associated with the 'Five Great Vows' known as Mahavratas. • **Ahimsa** — Along with Satya (truth), Ahimsa (non-violence) is considered the highest ethical virtue and a core Mahavrata in Jainism. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sikhism]: Follows the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and emphasizes selfless service; [Zoroastrianism]: Focuses on the cosmic battle between Asha (truth) and Druj (falsehood); [Buddhism]: Follows the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths.

Correct Answer: C. The theory of atoms

• **Vaisheshika** = This school of philosophy is credited with introducing the foundational concept of the theory of atoms. • **Six categories** — Sage Kanada, the founder of Vaisheshika, proposed that the physical universe is composed of indivisible atoms (Parmanu) and classified all objects into six categories or Padarthas. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [The doctrine of rebirth]: A concept widely accepted across many Indian philosophies, not unique to Vaisheshika; [The concept of Void]: Associated with some Buddhist schools like Shunyatavada; [The theory of illusion]: Central to Advaita Vedanta's concept of Maya.

Correct Answer: D. Mahabharata

• **Mahabharata** = The philosophical dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita is a part of this major epic. • **Bhishma Parva** — The Bhagavad Gita is specifically situated within the Bhishma Parva, one of the eighteen books of the Mahabharata. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Manimekalai]: A classical Tamil epic poem; [Silappadikaram]: One of the five great Tamil epics; [Ramayana]: An epic narrating the life of Rama, distinct from the Mahabharata.

Correct Answer: B. Rishabhanatha

• **Rishabhanatha** = He is the first Tirthankara of Jainism according to religious tradition. • **Twenty-four** — Rishabhanatha, also known as Adinatha, is believed to be the first of the twenty-four spiritual teachers (Tirthankaras) in Jainism. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Mahavira]: The 24th and last Tirthankara, who propagated Jainism in ancient India; [Neminatha]: The 22nd Tirthankara in Jain tradition; [Parshvanatha]: The 23rd Tirthankara, preceded by Neminatha.

Correct Answer: B. Charvaka

• **Charvaka** = It is a heterodox (Nastika) school of Indian philosophy that rejects the authority of the Vedas. • **Lokayata** — This materialistic and atheistic school is often referred to as Lokayata in ancient texts, meaning 'prevalent among the people'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Mimamsa]: An orthodox school that focuses on Vedic rituals and interpretation; [Vedanta]: An orthodox school based on the Upanishads, accepting Vedic authority; [Yoga]: An orthodox school that accepts the Vedas, focused on meditation and spiritual practices.

Correct Answer: C. The Tripitaka

• **The Tripitaka** = The 'Dhammapada' is a famous collection of sayings belonging to this religious scripture. • **423 verses** — The Dhammapada is part of the Sutta Pitaka within the Pali Canon of Buddhism and contains 423 verses of moral guidance from the Buddha. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [The Guru Granth Sahib]: The central holy scripture of Sikhism; [The Vedas]: The most ancient scriptures of Hinduism; [The Agamas]: The primary sacred scriptures of Jainism.