Religions & Philosophy — Set 2

Correct Answer: D. Purva Mimamsa

Purva Mimamsa, founded by Sage Jaimini, focuses on the interpretation of the Vedas to establish the nature of Dharma through rituals. It believes that the Vedas are eternal and authorless. This school provides the rules for interpreting Vedic texts used in later Hindu legal systems.

Correct Answer: D. Jainism

The Agamas contain the teachings of the Tirthankaras and form the canonical literature of Jainism. They cover various subjects including ethics, cosmology, and philosophy. The language of these early scriptures is predominantly Ardhamagadhi Prakrit.

Correct Answer: D. Patanjali

Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras around the 2nd century BCE to systematize the practice of Yoga. He outlined the 'Eight Limbs of Yoga' (Ashtanga Yoga) to achieve mental stillness and spiritual liberation. This text remains the authoritative guide for classical yoga practice globally.

Correct Answer: A. Jainism

The correct answer is 'Jainism'. Syadvada is a Jain doctrine which states that all statements are true only from a particular perspective. It encourages a multi-faceted view of reality to avoid dogmatism. It is closely related to Anekantavada, the principle of non-absolutism.

Correct Answer: D. Sikhism

Guru Nanak Dev emphasized the oneness of God and the equality of all human beings. He established the institution of Langar (community kitchen) to promote social equality. Sikhism is based on the teachings of ten successive Gurus recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Correct Answer: C. Nagarjuna

Nagarjuna founded the Madhyamaka school and proposed that all phenomena are 'empty' (Sunya) of independent existence. This philosophy suggests that everything exists only in relation to other things. He is considered one of the most important thinkers in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.

Correct Answer: D. Vedanta

Vedanta focuses on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads, which are the final parts of the Vedas. The word 'Uttara' means 'later', contrasting it with the ritualistic focus of Purva Mimamsa. It explores the relationship between the Individual Self and the Universal Self.

Correct Answer: B. Rig Veda

The Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, the solar deity, and is found in the third Mandala of the Rig Veda. It is traditionally attributed to Sage Vishvamitra. It is considered one of the most sacred and widely practiced mantras in the Vedic tradition.

Correct Answer: C. Vardhamana Mahavira

Mahavira was a contemporary of the Buddha and is credited with revitalizing Jainism in the 6th century BCE. He emphasized extreme asceticism and the principle of Ahimsa. He attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) after twelve years of intense meditation.

Correct Answer: D. Buddhism

The correct answer is 'Buddhism'. The Four Noble Truths address the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path leading to its end. They were the first teachings given by the Buddha after his enlightenment at Sarnath. These truths provide the logical foundation for all Buddhist practices.