SST REVISION QUESTION PAPERS

 Term 1-1

TERM 1-2

Difference between the teachings of Buddha and Mahavira?

(1) Difference regarding conception Moksha :

According to Buddhism, a man attains Moksha when he ends all the desires and can attain it while living in the world. But according, to Jainism Moksha is freedom from miseries and can be attained only after death.

(2) Ahimsa :

Though both emphasise the principle of Ahimsa, yet Jainism is more strict in this connection.

(3) Soul:

Buddhists do not believe in the existence of soul whereas Jainism believes the existence of soul in every living being.

(4) Regarding Conduct:

Buddhism emphasises the eight noble paths whereas Jainism emphasises Tri Ratna.

 The principal teaching of Buddhism is that life is suffering and to escape suffering (end cause of desire) one needs to dispel ignorance by realizing the Four Noble Truths and practising the Eightfold Paths.

Jainism lays emphasis on the respect of all living beings. Liberation from the cycle of rebirths is attained by taking the Five Vows and following the principles of the Three Jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Action)

(5) Language of Religious texts :

Most of the Jain texts are in Sanskrit and Prakrit (the Agams or Agam Sutras) whereas Buddhist text are in Pali (Tripitaka).

(6)Their connection with Hinduism : Jain religion is nearer to Hinduism whereas Buddhism followed the policy of keeping away from Hinduism.

(8) Caste system :

Jains opposed it but Buddhism opposed and attacked completely.

Similarities

There are many similarities between Jainism and Buddhism.

Both religions emphasize compassion, non-violence, and the need to live a life of simplicity.

Both religions also believe in reincarnation and the idea that we are all connected.

Four Noble Truths of Buddhas

1. The world is full of sorrows.

2. Desire is the root cause of all sorrows.

3. Sorrows can be conquered by conquering desires.

4. Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold paths.

Eightfold Paths of Budhism

Right understanding

Right intention

Right speech

Right action

Right living

Right efforts

Right thought

Right self-concentration

Five Doctrines of Jainism

Ahimsa: Non-injury to living being

Satya: Do not speak a lie

Asteya: Do not steal

Aparigraha: Do not acquire property

Brahmacharya: Practice celibacy

Two major sects of Buddhism

Hinayana Buddhism 

• The followers of Hinayana Buddhism believed in the original teachings of Buddha.
• Prohibited idol or image worship of Buddha.
• Believed Self – discipline and meditation can lead to the salvation of individuals.
• The followers of Hinayana Buddhism used "Pali Language”.
• Strongly preached the concept that “Buddha will never be reborn”.

Mahayana Buddhism

Salvation can be attained by the assistance of Buddhas and by practising a life of teaching and helping others rather than complete isolation.

Worshipped the images of Buddha in their Chaityas (Temple). 

Firmly believed in the concept of “Rebirth of Buddha”.

“Sanskrit Language” was used to propagate the ideals of Mahayana Buddhism.

Buddhist Sangha

Buddhist Sangha was an association of people who left their homes to get true knowledge according to Buddha's teaching. They had to lead simple lives. They meditated for most of the time and went to cities and villages to beg for food. To join ,  children, women and slaves had to take the permission of their parents, husbands and masters respectively. 

System of Ashramas

With changing time in and after the Vedic Period, the Brahmins introduced the system of Ashramas, according to which a person goes through four stages in his life i.e. Bramhacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Samnyasa.

In Bramhacharya Asharam, man learnt the Vedas and led a simple life. 

 Grihastha Asharam he got married and had a family. 

In Vanaprastha Asharam, he had to live in forests and meditate.

Samnyasa Asharam, he gave up everything and become samnyasin.

The system of ashramas were the different stages of life men had to live. It allowed men to spent some part of their lives in meditation. Women were not allowed to read Vedas and they were bound to follow the ashramas chosen by their husbands. Sangha was an association joined by both men and women. Brahmins were not also asked to beg food. Shudras were not allowed in the system of Ashramas.