Mahavira, Jainism - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following statements is/are correct about Jainism?

1. Right Speech is not one of the tri-ratnas of Jainism.
2. Brahmcharya was added by Mahavira to existing principles of Jainism


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
Tri – Ratnas:

1. Right Faith
2. Right Knowledge
3. Right Conduct

Principles of Jainism:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
2. Satya (Truthfulness)
3. Achaurya (Non-stealing)
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession, Non-materialism)


2)   Which of the following statements is/are correct about Bhadrabahu?

1. Bhadrabahu was a last Shruta Kevali.
2. He was Digambara Acharya and the spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
- He was Digambara Acharya.
- After a 12-year famine, Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya migrated to south India.
There were five Shruta Kevalis in Jainism - Govarddhana Mahamuni, Vishnu, Nandimitra, Aparajita and Bhadrabahu.
After him, the Sangha split into two separate teacher-student lineages of monks. Digambar monks belong to the lineage of Acharya Vishakha and Shvetambar monks follow the tradition of Sthulabhadra.


3)   Which of the following statements is/are correct about Acharya Kundkund

1. Acharya Kundkund is the most revered Svetambara Jain monk, who lived in around 1st century B.C.
2. He authored Samayasara, Jain text


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
Acharya Kundkund is the most revered Digambara Jain monk. He authored many Jain texts such as: Samayasara, Niyamasara, Panchastikayasara, Pravachansara, Atthapahuda and Barasanuvekkha.


4)   Which of the following religion celebrates Das Lakshana?

a. Christianity
b. Buddhism
c. Jainism
d. Islam
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Jainism

Explanation:
Das Lakshana is another name for Paryushana is an important Jain festival celebrated in the month of August or September. Normally Svetambaras refer to it as Paryushana, while Digambaras refer it as Das Lakshana. Paryushana means "abiding, coming together". The duration of Paryusana is for eight days for Swetambar jains and ten days for jains belonging to the Digambara sect.


5)   Sallekhana is a religious practice in

a. Hinduism
b. Shikhism
c. Islam
d. Jainism
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Jainism

Explanation:
Sallekhana also known as Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Sanyasana-marana is the Jain practice of undertaking voluntary death at the end of one's life.In August 2015, Rajasthan High Court cited that the practice is not essential tenet of Jainism and banned the practice making it punishable under section 306 and 309 IPC.


6)   Each tirthankar has a symbol. The symbol of Mahavira is

a. Bull
b. Lion
c. Lotus
d. Elephant
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Lion

Explanation:
First tirthankar Rishabhadeva had symbol bull. Second had Elephant.


7)   Anuvrata is propagated in

a. Jainism
b. Mahayana Buddhism
c. Hinayana Buddhism
d. Vajrayana Buddhism
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Jainism

Explanation:
Anuvrata means the five doctrines of Jainism – Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigriha and Brahmacharya. It is to be followed by the married in a less rigorous manner. If followed rigorously like the monks it is called Mahavratas.


8)   The early Jains discarded Sanskrit and used which language to preach to common people?

a. Magadhi
b. Prakrit
c. Pali
d. Ardhamagadhi
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Prakrit

Explanation:
Their religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi. Preaching was done in Prakrit.


9)   Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding sects in Jainism?

1) The Shwetambaras were led by Bhadrabahu.
2) The Digambaras were led by Sthalabahu.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
Digambaras were led by Bhadrabahu. He led them to the south because of a famine where they maintained their religious tenets. Sthalabahu remained in Magadha.


10)   Jain monastic establishments or shrines and temples are called

a. Basadi
b. Chaitya
c. Mandir
d. Tirth
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Basadi

Explanation:
The word is generally used in South India, including Maharashtra. Its historical use in North is preserved in the names of the Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples of Mount Abu. It is also called desara, vasati (Sanskrit word).


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