Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

Mundaka Upanishad

In Jainism, there were exactly 23 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) before Mahavira, who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of the current time cycle. Mahavira is the most recent Tirthankara in Jain tradition.

Yes, it is the correct answer. Moon is a natural satellite. rest all are artificial satellites.

The Sathavahana dynasty (c. 1st century BCE - 2nd century CE) primarily promoted and supported Hinduism, though they were also tolerant of Buddhism. They performed Vedic sacrifices and patronized Brahmin priests. While they initially supported Buddhism, later rulers shifted focus to Hindu Brahmanical traditions. Options A and B incorrectly suggest Buddhism or Jainism as the primary promoted religion.

The Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism are Buddha (the enlightened one), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community). Ahimsa (non-violence) is an important moral principle in Buddhism but is not one of the Three Jewels.

The three ratnas (gems) of Jainism are: Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). Liberation is the ultimate goal of Jainism, not one of the three means or gems that lead to it.

In Jain tradition, Mahavira is considered the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher and ford-maker). Tirthankaras are enlightened beings who teach the path to liberation, and Mahavira is the most recent one in our time cycle.

Mahayana Buddhism emerged as a sect that began worshipping Buddha as a divine figure. Hinayana (Theravada) emphasizes Buddha's teachings and original path, while Digambara and Swetambara are sects of Jainism, not Buddhism.

Historically, four Buddhist councils were held after the Buddha's death. These were convened to preserve and clarify Buddhist teachings. The councils occurred at different times and locations, with the fourth one being held in Kashmir around the 1st or 2nd century CE.

Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park) is known as "Dharma Chakra Parivartana" or "Dharmachakra Pravartana" (Sanskrit: धर्मचक्र प्रवर्तन), meaning "Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma." This marked the beginning of his teaching career and the formation of the Sangha.

The Noble Eightfold Path (Astangamarga) comprises Buddha's core teachings: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Panchasila refers to five moral precepts, not Buddha's complete philosophical principles.

The Angas are the canonical sacred texts of Jainism, containing the teachings of Lord Mahavira. Tripitakas are Buddhist texts, while 'Jain Gram' and 'Jain Stuthi' are not authentic Jain scriptures.

Chandra Gupta Maurya embraced Jainism late in life, influenced by his minister Chanakya and the Jain sage Bhadrabahu. He eventually abdicated the throne to become a Jain monk, fasting to death in the Jain tradition (sallekhana).

Ashoka's Dhamma was not a religious doctrine but a practical socio-ethical code designed to promote moral conduct, social harmony, and welfare. It emphasized universal values like non-violence, tolerance, and respect for elders, rather than promoting any specific religious ideology.

Correct Answer: Jainism