Jainism

What is the subject matter of Jainism?

 Jainism is an ancient Indian religion based on non-violence, self-discipline, and liberation of the soul.

Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?

 Rishabhanatha or Adinatha.

Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism?

 Parshvanatha.

Who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism?

 Mahavira.

What was the original name of Mahavira?

 Vardhamana.

Where was Mahavira born?

 Kundagrama near Vaishali.

Who were the parents of Mahavira?

 Siddhartha and Trishala.

To which clan did Mahavira belong?

 Jnatrika clan.

At what age did Mahavira renounce worldly life?

 30 years.

For how many years did Mahavira perform penance?

 12 years.

What did Mahavira attain after penance?

 Kaivalya or supreme knowledge.

Where did Mahavira attain Kaivalya?

 Jrimbhikagrama.

Where did Mahavira attain Nirvana?

 Pavapuri.

What is the meaning of the term ‘Jina’?

 Conqueror of passions and desires.

Who is a Tirthankara?

 A spiritual teacher who shows the path to liberation.

How many Tirthankaras are recognized in Jainism?

 24.

What is the supreme principle of Jainism?

 Ahimsa or non-violence.

What are the Triratnas of Jainism?

 Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.

What is meant by Right Faith in Jainism?

 Belief in the teachings of Jainism.

What is meant by Right Knowledge in Jainism?

 Correct understanding of reality.

What is meant by Right Conduct in Jainism?

 Ethical and disciplined conduct.

What are the five vows of Jainism?

 Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya.

What is Ahimsa in Jainism?

 Non-injury to all living beings.

What is Satya in Jainism?

 Truthfulness.

What is Asteya in Jainism?

 Non-stealing.

What is Aparigraha in Jainism?

 Non-possession or non-attachment.

What is Brahmacharya in Jainism?

 Celibacy or purity of conduct.

What is the ultimate goal of Jainism?

 Moksha or liberation of the soul.

What is Moksha in Jainism?

 Freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

What is the Jain doctrine of Karma?

 Actions bind the soul with karmic matter.

What is meant by Anekantavada?

 Doctrine of many-sided reality.

What is Syadvada in Jainism?

 Doctrine of conditional predication.

What is Nayavada in Jainism?

 Doctrine of partial viewpoints.

Which language was used for early Jain teachings?

 Prakrit.

What are the main sects of Jainism?

 Digambara and Svetambara.

What does Digambara mean?

 Sky-clad.

What does Svetambara mean?

 White-clad.

What is the Digambara view on clothing for monks?

 Monks should remain unclothed.

What is the Svetambara view on clothing for monks?

 Monks may wear white clothes.

Who compiled Jain teachings after Mahavira?

 Jain councils compiled the teachings.

Where was the first Jain council held?

 Pataliputra.

Where was the second Jain council held?

 Vallabhi.

Which sect accepts the Agamas as authentic scriptures?

 Svetambara sect.

What are the sacred texts of Jainism called?

 Agamas.

Which symbol is commonly associated with Jainism?

 Swastika.

What does the Jain Swastika symbolize?

 Four states of existence.

What are the four states of existence in Jainism?

 Heavenly beings, human beings, animal/plants, and hell beings.

What is the Jain concept of soul called?

 Jiva.

What is Ajiva in Jainism?

 Non-living substance.

How does Jainism classify reality?

 Into Jiva and Ajiva.

What is Sallekhana in Jainism?

 Ritual fasting unto death.

What is the significance of non-violence in Jainism?

 It is the highest religious duty.

Who patronized Jainism in ancient India?

 Various kings and merchants.

Which region became an important centre of Jainism in South India?

 Karnataka.

Which famous Jain monument is located at Shravanabelagola?

 Statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali.

Who is Bahubali in Jain tradition?

 A revered Jain saint associated with renunciation.

Why is Mahavira called ‘Mahavira’?

 Because of his great courage and spiritual strength.