Buddhism & Jainism — Set 3
Indian History · बौद्ध और जैन धर्म · Questions 21–30 of 90
Which future Buddha is predicted to appear when the teachings of Gautama Buddha have been forgotten?
Correct Answer: A. Maitreya
• **Maitreya** = future Buddha; will appear when current Dharma is completely forgotten. • Currently dwelling in **Tushita Heaven**; will descend when conditions are right. • Name means 'loving-kindness' (Metta in Pali); depicted as a seated Bodhisattva holding a water pot. • 💡 Padmapani/Avalokiteshvara = present Bodhisattva of compassion (not a future Buddha); Manjushri = Bodhisattva of wisdom — none is the predicted future Buddha.
The doctrine of 'Syadvada' relates to which characteristic of truth?
Correct Answer: A. Probabilistic nature
• **Syadvada** = Jain 'maybe' logic; all statements are conditionally true depending on perspective. • 'Syat' = perhaps/maybe; used with **7 conditional predictions** (Saptabhangi Naya). • Complementary pair: Anekantavada (many-sidedness) + Syadvada (conditional expression) = core Jain epistemology. • 💡 Probabilistic nature = correct (conditional, not fixed); Divine origin = rejected by Jainism; Absolute certainty = opposite of Syadvada; Nihilism = Buddhist Shunyata concept, not Jain.
Which Buddhist sect emphasizes the worship of Bodhisattvas and idol worship of Buddha?
Correct Answer: C. Mahayana
• **Mahayana** = 'Great Vehicle'; worships Bodhisattvas and venerates Buddha as a divine being. • Introduced **idol worship, rituals, and elaborate ceremonies** into Buddhism (absent in early Buddhism). • Mahayana spread to China, Japan, Korea, Tibet; Hinayana/Theravada = Sri Lanka, SE Asia. • 💡 Sthaviravada/Theravada = conservative, rejects idol worship, focuses on Arhat ideal; Hinayana = another name for same conservative tradition — neither emphasizes Bodhisattva worship.
The giant statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) is located in which state?
Correct Answer: A. Karnataka
• **Gomateshwara (Bahubali)** statue at **Shravanabelagola**, Karnataka = world's largest monolithic statue. • **57 feet** tall; carved in **981 CE** by Chamundaraya under Ganga dynasty. • **Mahamastakabhisheka** = head-anointing festival held every 12 years; draws millions of Jain pilgrims. • 💡 Madhya Pradesh = no such Jain monolith; Gujarat = Palitana temples; Rajasthan = Dilwara temples — Bahubali statue is exclusively in Karnataka.
Which text provides a detailed account of the 16 Mahajanapadas in the context of Jain history?
Correct Answer: D. Bhagavati Sutra
• **Bhagavati Sutra** = Jain text listing 16 Mahajanapadas; also covers Mahavira's life and teachings. • Jain list of Mahajanapadas differs slightly from **Anguttara Nikaya** (Buddhist list). • Bhagavati Sutra is the 5th Anga of the Jain Agamas; also called Vyakhyaprajnapti. • 💡 Mahavamsa/Dipavamsa = Sri Lankan Buddhist chronicles; Anguttara Nikaya = Buddhist text listing Mahajanapadas — none are Jain texts describing Mahajanapadas.
The 'Diamond Vehicle' form of Buddhism, known for using mantras and tantras, is called:
Correct Answer: B. Vajrayana
• **Vajrayana** = 'Diamond/Thunderbolt Vehicle'; uses mantras, tantras, mandalas, and mudras. • Emerged in **7th century CE**; dominant in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Himalayan regions. • Also called **Tantrayana** or Mantrayana; Nalanda and Vikramshila were its main centers in India. • 💡 Zen = Japanese Buddhist school (meditation-focused); Hinayana = conservative, no tantras; Mahayana = Bodhisattva-focused but not tantric — Vajrayana alone uses ritual/mantra methods.
Which philosophy was founded by Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha?
Correct Answer: D. Ajivika
• **Makkhali Gosala** = founder of **Ajivika** sect; contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. • Core belief: **Niyati** (destiny/fate) governs everything; free will and karma are illusions. • Ajivikas believed in 8,400,000 rebirths before automatic liberation, regardless of actions. • 💡 Mimamsa = Vedic ritualism; Nyaya = logic/epistemology; Charvaka = materialism/atheism — none believe in absolute fate/Niyati like Ajivikas.
Who was the royal patron of the Second Buddhist Council?
Correct Answer: A. Kalashoka
• **Kalashoka** (Shishunaga dynasty) = patron of Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali (~383 BCE). • Held **~100 years** after Buddha's death; debated 'Ten Points' of monastic discipline. • Led to first major split: **Sthaviravada** (conservative) vs. **Mahasanghika** (liberal). • 💡 Ajatashatru = 1st Council patron; Kanishka = 4th Council patron; Ashoka = 3rd Council patron — Kalashoka alone is 2nd Council patron.
Which symbol represents the 'First Sermon' of the Buddha?
Correct Answer: D. Wheel (Dharmachakra)
• **Dharmachakra (Wheel)** = symbol of Buddha's First Sermon at Sarnath (Dhammachakkappavattana). • **8 spokes** = Eightfold Path; wheel's turning = 'setting in motion the wheel of Dharma'. • The Dharmachakra is at the centre of India's national flag (Ashoka Chakra). • 💡 Lotus = Birth; Bodhi Tree = Enlightenment; Stupa = Death/Parinirvana — Wheel uniquely represents the First Sermon at Sarnath.
In which place did Lord Mahavira attain Kaivalya (Omniscience)?
Correct Answer: C. Jrimbhikagrama
• **Jrimbhikagrama** = place where Mahavira attained Kaivalya (omniscience/supreme knowledge). • On the banks of **Rijupalika river**, under a Sal tree, at age **42** after 12.5 years of penance. • **Kaivalya** = complete liberation from karma in Jainism; equivalent to Buddha's Enlightenment. • 💡 Pavapuri = Mahavira's death (Nirvana); Vaishali = his birthplace region; Kundagrama = his actual birthplace — Jrimbhikagrama alone is the enlightenment site.