Buddhism & Jainism — Set 4
Indian History · बौद्ध और जैन धर्म · Questions 31–40 of 90
What is the collective name for the three jewels of Jainism?
Correct Answer: A. Triratna
• **Triratna** = Three Jewels of Jainism: Samyak Darshana + Samyak Jnana + Samyak Charitra. • **Right Faith + Right Knowledge + Right Conduct** = the path to Moksha (liberation) in Jainism. • Note: Buddhism also has Triratna (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha) — different content, same name. • 💡 Triguna = Sankhya concept (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas); Trimurti = Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva; Tripitaka = Buddhist scriptures — none are Jain Three Jewels.
The Vikramshila University, a center of Vajrayana Buddhism, was founded by which King?
Correct Answer: B. Dharmapala
• **Dharmapala** (Pala king) = founded **Vikramshila University** in Bihar (~8th–9th century CE). • Major center of **Vajrayana/Tantric Buddhism**; Atisha (Dipamkara) studied and taught here. • Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1203 CE along with Nalanda. • 💡 Gopala = founded Pala dynasty and Nalanda support; Mahipala = later Pala ruler; Devapala = patronized Nalanda, sent envoys to SE Asia — Dharmapala alone founded Vikramshila.
Which Jataka tale depicts the story of the Buddha giving away his eyes?
Correct Answer: C. Sibi Jataka
• **Sibi Jataka** = story of King Sibi (past life of Buddha) giving his eyes to a blind Brahmin. • Illustrates **Dana** (generosity) — one of the 10 perfections (Paramitas) of a Bodhisattva. • Jataka carvings appear on railings of **Bharhut and Sanchi Stupas**; there are 547 Jataka tales. • 💡 Mahajanaka Jataka = renunciation; Vidhurapandita Jataka = wisdom; Vessantara Jataka = ultimate generosity (gives children, not eyes) — Sibi alone depicts giving of eyes.
The Jains believe that the universe is eternal and uncreated, maintained by universal laws. This contradicts which concept?
Correct Answer: C. Creator God
• **Jainism rejects Creator God** — universe is eternal, uncreated, governed by cosmic laws. • Jains accept existence of gods (devas) but rank them **below Tirthankaras** who are omniscient and liberated. • This doctrine makes Jainism an **atheistic** (Nastika) philosophy regarding a personal creator deity. • 💡 Soul = Jainism accepts (Jiva); Rebirth = Jainism fully accepts; Karma = central to Jainism — Creator God alone is rejected.
Which ancient Indian city is sacred to both Buddhists and Jains?
Correct Answer: A. Kaushambi
• **Kaushambi** = sacred to both Buddhists and Jains; capital of Vatsa Mahajanapada. • Buddha preached here multiple times; **Padmaprabha** (6th Jain Tirthankara) was born here. • Kaushambi also has Ghoshitarama monastery (where Buddha stayed) and Jain remains. • 💡 Sarnath = Buddhist only (first sermon); Kushinagar = Buddhist only (death); Rameshwaram = Hindu pilgrimage site — Kaushambi alone is sacred to both traditions.
Who is considered the primary compiler of the Sutta Pitaka?
Correct Answer: B. Ananda
• **Ananda** = Buddha's cousin and personal attendant; recited the Sutta Pitaka at First Council. • Known for exceptional memory; began each discourse with **'Evam me sutam'** (Thus have I heard). • Ananda also pleaded for women's ordination and is often called 'Guardian of the Dhamma'. • 💡 Mahakassapa = presided over First Council (not reciter); Sariputta = known for Abhidhamma; Upali = recited Vinaya Pitaka — Ananda alone recited the Sutta Pitaka.
The term 'Basadi' refers to what in the context of Jainism?
Correct Answer: B. A Jain shrine or temple
• **Basadi** = Jain shrine or temple; term used primarily in **South India** (Karnataka/Tamil Nadu). • Derived from Sanskrit **'Vasati'** (dwelling/abode); often includes monk residence quarters. • In North India, Jain temples are called Derasar (Gujarat) or Mandir — Basadi is regional South Indian term. • 💡 Fasting ritual = Santhara/Sallekhana; Penance = Tapas/Kayotsarga; Holy book = Agama/Kalpasutra — Basadi specifically refers to a temple/shrine.
What was the childhood name of Gautama Buddha?
Correct Answer: B. Siddhartha
• **Siddhartha** = childhood name of Gautama Buddha; means 'one who has achieved the goal'. • Born in **Lumbini** (~563 BCE); belonged to **Shakya clan** of Kapilavastu (modern Nepal). • Father: Suddhodana; Mother: Mahamaya (died 7 days after birth); raised by stepmother Mahaprajapati. • 💡 Nanda = Buddha's half-brother; Vardhamana = childhood name of Mahavira (Jain); Rahul = Buddha's son — Siddhartha is Buddha's own birth name.
Which among the following is NOT one of the 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Buddhism?
Correct Answer: A. Ahimsa
• **Triratna** (Three Jewels) of Buddhism = **Buddha** (teacher) + **Dhamma** (teaching) + **Sangha** (community). • Chanting 'Buddham saranam gacchami' (3 times) = taking refuge; primary initiation in Buddhism. • Ahimsa is a core Buddhist virtue but belongs to the **Pancasila** (5 precepts), not Triratna. • 💡 Ahimsa = 5 precepts (not a Jewel); Buddha, Sangha, Dhamma = all three genuine Jewels — Ahimsa is the correct odd one out answer.
The 'Santhara' or 'Sallekhana' ritual is associated with which community?
Correct Answer: B. Jains
• **Santhara/Sallekhana** = Jain vow of fasting unto death by gradually reducing food and water. • Considered a **spiritual practice** for final purification; undertaken by monks and sometimes lay Jains. • Not seen as suicide in Jainism — it's conscious detachment; distinguished from passive withdrawal. • 💡 Buddhists = do not practice Sallekhana; Sikhs = Langar/seva focus; Parsis = no such fasting tradition — Santhara is exclusively a Jain religious vow.