Jainism: Core Ideas
UPSC Notes
Jainism is one of the ancient Indian religious traditions. It recognises 24 Tirthankaras, with Mahavira being the 24th Tirthankara.
Mahavira was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali and attained Kaivalya through intense ascetic practices.
Three Jewels
The Jain path to liberation is based on:
Right Faith
Right Knowledge
Right Conduct
Together these are called the Triratna.
Five Great Vows
Ahimsa – non-violence
Satya – truth
Asteya – non-stealing
Aparigraha – non-possession
Brahmacharya – celibacy
Important Jain Concepts
Anekantavada: Reality has multiple aspects.
Syadvada: Statements about reality are conditional or relative.
Karma: Considered a material substance that binds the soul.
Jiva: Living soul.
Ajiva: Non-living entities.
Moksha: Liberation of the soul.
Key Pointers
24 Tirthankaras
Mahavira → 24th Tirthankara
Triratna → Right Faith, Knowledge and Conduct
Ahimsa → central ethical principle
Anekantavada → many-sided nature of reality
Syadvada → conditional nature of statements
Jainism strongly emphasises asceticism
MCQs
Q7. Which of the following constitutes the Jain Triratna?
(a) Ahimsa, Satya and Asteya
(b) Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct
(c) Karma, Dharma and Moksha
(d) Jiva, Ajiva and Karma
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The three jewels of Jainism are Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.
Category: Ancient History – Jainism
Q8. Anekantavada is primarily associated with which religious tradition?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Ajivika
(d) Charvaka
Answer: (b) Jainism
Explanation: Anekantavada is the Jain doctrine emphasising the many-sided nature of reality.
Category: Ancient History – Jainism