Buddhism, Jainism - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is/are a part of the canonical literature of Buddhism?

1) Jataka Stories
2) Sutta pitaka
3) Vinyapitaka


a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 2 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2 and 3

Explanation:
Jataka Stories are non-canonical literature. They are birth stories.


2)   Which of the following dynasty patronized Buddhism which was extended to China and other Asian countries through the Silk Road?

a. Gupta Empire
b. Indo-Scythian Kingdom
c. Indo-Parthian Kingdom
d. Kushan Empire
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Kushan Empire

Explanation:
No explanation is available for this question!


3)   A Pagoda will be built in Bangladesh for which Buddhist teacher?

a. Atisa
b. Gautama Buddha
c. Nagasena
d. Ananda
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Atisa

Explanation:

  • Atisa, a Buddhist teacher from Bengal lived in Tibet for more than ten years starting in 1038, preaching and translating scriptures.
  • The pagoda for him in Bangladesh includes a pedestal, a tower and spire, will stand as tall as a three-storey building.
  • He was one of the major figures in the spread of 11th-century Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism in Asia and inspired Buddhist thought from Tibet to Sumatra.
  • Atisa's chief deciple Dromtön was the founder of the Kadam School.
  • Atisa is also considered to be a key figure in the establishment of the Sarma schools of Tibetan Buddhism.


4)   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)


5)   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.


6)   Mahachaitya Stupa, has the privilege of being the largest stupa (95 feet high) in India. It is situated in -

a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Bihar
d. Telanagana
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Telanagana

Explanation:
- Mahachaitya Stupa is also known as the Amravati stupa.
- The stupa was discovered by a British archaeologist, Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1797.
- The stupa was earlier a simple structure with limestone crossbars and simple carvings, but when renovated by the Satavahana rulers, became a highly marked architectural monument.


7)   Theravada is a branch associated with -

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

ANSWER: Buddhism

Explanation:
Theravada is a branch of Buddhism

It uses the teaching of the Pali Canon, a collection of the oldest recorded Buddhist texts, as its doctrinal core

But also includes a rich diversity of traditions and practices that have developed over its long history of interactions with various cultures and communities.


8)   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.


9)   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.


10)   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.


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