Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas. 3. Denial of efficiency of rituals. 4. Non-injury to animal life. Select the answer using the code given below:
UPSC CSE Pre 1996
A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1, 3 and 4
D. 1 and 2
Answer: 2, 3 and 4
Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect- Buddhism promoted a middle path, which means avoiding both extreme self-denial and excessive indulgence. In contrast, Jainism encouraged intense self-mortification and ascetic practices.
Statement 2 is correct- Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the authority of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism. They argued that the Vedas were not divinely revealed but were the product of human beings.
Statement 3 is correct- Both Buddhism and Jainism denied the efficacy of rituals. They argued that rituals could not lead to enlightenment.
Statement 4 is correct- Both Buddhism and Jainism have a strong emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa). They believe that all living beings are interconnected, and that we should not harm any living being.