Previous Year Question
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
Denial of efficacy of rituals
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Buddha rejected both extreme asceticism and indulgence in sensual pleasure and taught the Middle Way. The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta explicitly advises avoiding these two extremes. Jain tradition, in contrast, especially in monastic life, assigns an important role to rigorous austerities, fasting and self-restraint in the path to liberation. Hence, avoidance of the extremes of penance and enjoyment was not common to both traditions.
Statement 2 is correct. Both Buddhism and Jainism did not accept the Vedas as the supreme or infallible religious authority. Mahavira rejected the authority of the Vedas, while the Buddha also rejected claims of Vedic infallibility and Brahmanical religious authority. Both therefore belonged broadly to the Shramana tradition.
Statement 3 is correct. Both traditions rejected the necessary efficacy of elaborate Vedic rituals and sacrifices for spiritual liberation. Jainism rejected Vedic rituals and emphasised austerity and ethical discipline, while the Buddha criticised elaborate rituals and animal sacrifices and stressed conduct, meditation and knowledge.