Great Thinkers And New Faiths
Class 6 | Social Science — History | Unit 2
Class 6 Unit 2 History
Unit 2. Great Thinkers and New Faiths
Learning Objectives
To learn the causes for the rise of new faiths in the sixth century BC (BCE).
To have knowledge in the teachings of Mahavira and Buddha.
To know the similarities and dissimilarities between Jainism and Buddhism.
To understand the differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.
To know the influence of Jainism and Buddhism in Tamil Nadu.
Intellectual Awakening
The Sixth Century BC (BCE) is regarded as an important period in the history of ancient India. As a land mark period in the intellectual and spiritual development in India, historian Will Durant has rightly called it the "shower of stars".
Sources
Literary sources
Angas, Jain texts
Tripitakas and Jatakas, Buddhist texts
Causes for the Rise of Intellectual Awakening and the Birth of Buddhism and Jainism
There were several reasons for the rise of new intellectual awakening. Some of the exploitative practices that paved way for new faiths include:
The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the later Vedic period
Expensive sacrificial ceremonies
Superstitious beliefs and practices that confused the common man.
Upanishads taught as alternative to sacrificial rites were too philosophical, which a layperson could not understand.
Slavery, caste system, gender discrimination also contributed to the new awakening.
Origin of Jainism
Jainism is one of the world's oldest living religions. Jainism grounds itself in 24 Tirthankaras. A Tirthankara, is the one who revealed religious truth at different times. The first Tirthankara was Rishabha and the last one was Mahavira. Jainism gained prominence under the aegis of Mahavira, during the sixth century BC (BCE).
Original name - Vardhamana
Place of Birth - Kundhagrama near Vaishali, Bihar
Parents - Siddharth, Trishala
Place of Death - Pavapuri, Bihar
Mahavira (The Great Hero)
Vardhamana, meaning 'prosperous', was a kshatriya prince. However, at the age of 30, he renounced his princely status to adopt an ascetic life. He undertook intense meditation. After twelve and a half years of rigorous penance, Vardhamana attained omniscience or supreme knowledge, known as Kevala.
Do You Know?
Omniscience, it is the ability to know everything or be infinitely wise.
Thereafter, he became Jina meaning one who conquered worldly pleasure and attachment. His followers are called Jains. Mahavira reviewed the ancient Sramanic traditions and came up with new doctrines. Therefore, he is believed to be the real founder of Jainism.
Unique Teachings of Jainism
Jainism denies God as the creator of Universe.
Basic philosophy of Jainism is Ahimsa or non Violence.
Ultimate aim of Jainism is attaining moksha or ending the cycle of birth, death, rebirth.
Jains reject the belief in Last judgement, where God, a supreme being, decides who goes to heaven or hell.
Jainism advocates that the goodness or quality of one's life is determined by one's karma.
Tri–rathnas or Three Jewels
Mahavira exhorted the three – fold path for the attainment of moksha and for the liberation from Karma. They are:
Right Faith
Right Knowledge
Right action
Do You Know?
Moksha, Liberation from the cycle of birth and death
Jain Code of Conduct
Mahavira asked his followers to live a virtuous life. In order to live a life filled with sound morals, he preached five major principles to follow. They are:
Ahimsa - not to injure any living beings
Satya - to speak truth
Asteya - not to steal
Aparigraha - not to own property
Brahmacharya – Celibacy
Digambaras and Svetambaras
Jainism split into two sects.
Digambaras
Digambaras are orthodox and conservative followers. Monks of the digambara sect, do not wear any clothing and live naked. They are forbidden to have any kind of possessions. Digambaras believe that women cannot achieve nirvana or liberation directly.
Svetambaras
The Svetambaras are considered progressive. Monks of Svetambaras sect, wear white robes. They are permitted to have Rajoharana (broom with woollen threads), begging bowl and book. Svetambaras believe that women are equally capable of achieving liberation as men.
Reasons for the Spread of Jainism
The following are the main reasons for the wide acceptance of Jainism in India:
Use of people's language.
Intelligible teachings.
Support from rulers and traders
Perseverance of Jain monks
Influence of Jainism (Samanam) in Tamil Nadu
In ancient Tamil literature, Jainism is referred to as Samanam. There is a Samanar Hill or Samanar Malai in Keelakuyilkudi village, 15 km away from Madurai. The images of Tirthankaras created by Jain monks are found in the hill. It is a protected monument of Archaeological Survey of India.
In Arittapatti, a small village 25 kilometer from Madurai, on one side of Kalinjamalai hill there are Jain caves called Pandavar Padukkai. Pandavar Padukkai is the bed of Jain saints.
There is a reference to Aravor Palli, place of living for Jain monks, in Manimegalai.
According to Silapathikaram, when Kovalan and Kannagi were on their way to Madurai, Gownthiyadigal a female jain monk blessed the couple and accompanied them.
Puhar, Uraiyur, Madurai, Vanchi (Karuvur), Kanchi all had Jain monasteries.
Jina Kanchi – Thiruparthikundram, a village in Kanchipuram, has two ancient Jain temples. This village was once called Jina Kanchi.
Buddhism
Original name - Siddhartha
Place of Birth - Lumbini Garden, Nepal
Parents - Suddhodana, Maya devi
Place of Death - Kushi Nagar, UP
Gautama Buddha
Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. His real name was Siddhartha. Like Mahavira, he was also a Kshatriya prince belonging to the ruling Sakya clan. When Siddhartha was only seven days old his mother died. So, he was raised by his step mother Gautami.
Four Great Sights
At the age of 29, Siddhartha saw four sorrowful sights. They were:
An uncared old man in rags with his bent back.
An sick man suffering from an incurable disease.
A man's corpse being carried to the burial ground by weeping relatives.
An ascetic
Enlightenment
Buddha, the Awakened or Enlightened One, realised that the human life was full of misery and unhappiness. So, at the age of 29 he left his palace and became a hermit. He sacrificed six years of his life towards penance. Nonetheless deciding that self-mortification was not a path to salvation, Buddha sat under a Pipal tree and undertook a deep meditation near Gaya. On the 49th day he finally attained enlightenment. From that moment onwards, he was called Buddha or the Enlightened One. He was also known as Sakya Muni or Sage of Sakya clan.
Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, near Benaras. This was called Dharma Chakra Pravartana or the Turning of the Wheel of Law.
Buddha's Four Noble Truths
Life is full of sorrow and misery.
Desire is the cause of misery.
Sorrows and sufferings can be removed by giving up one's desire.
The desire can be overcome by following the right path (Noble eight-fold path)
Eight Fold Path
Right view
Right Thought
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Knowledge
Right Meditation
The teachings of Lord Buddha were simple and taught in a language which people used for communication. Since the teachings addressed the everyday concern of the people, they could relate to them. He was opposed to rituals and sacrifices.
Teachings of Buddha
Buddha's teachings are referred to as dhamma.
Buddhism accepted the Theory of Karma – meaning that the quality of man's life depends on his deed.
Buddha neither accepted nor denied the existence of God, but believed in the laws of universe.
Buddha asserted that attaining nirvana is the ultimate aim of life.
Buddha advocated ahimsa or nonviolence.
Buddha had rejected the caste system.
The Wheel of life – represents the Buddhist view of the world.
Buddhist Sangha
Buddha laid foundation for a missionary organization called Sangha, meaning association for the propagation of his faith. The members were called bhikshus (monks). They led a life of austerity.
Buddhist Sects
| Hinayana | Mahayana |
|---|
| Did not worship idols or images of Buddha. | Worshiped images of Buddha. |
| Practiced austerity. | Observed elaborate rituals |
| Believed that Salvation of the individual as its goal. | Believed that salvation of all beings as its objective |
| Used Prakrit language. | Used Sanskrit language |
| Hinayana is also known as Theravada. Spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma) and South East Asian Countries. | Spread to Central Asia, Tibet, China and Japan where middle path was accepted. |
Causes for the Spread of Buddhism
Simplicity of the teachings of Buddha in local language appealed to people.
Buddhism rejected elaborate religious customs whereas the practice of orthodox Vedic religion insisted on expensive rituals and sacrifices.
Buddha's emphasis was on observance of Dhamma.
Buddhist Sanghas played an important role in spreading the messages of Buddha.
Royal patronage under Ashoka, Kanishka and Harsha also helped the causes of Buddhism.
Viharas or the Buddhist monasteries became great centres of education. One such centre was Nalanda, where Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, studied for many years.
Do You Know?
Middle path – It refers to neither indulging in extreme attachment to worldly pleasure nor committing severe penance.
Jainism and Buddhism- Similarities and Dissimilarities
Similarities
Both Mahavira and Buddha hailed from royal families. Yet they renounced royal privileges and chose to adopt an ascetic life.
Denied the authority of Vedas.
Taught in the language of the common people.
Admitted disciples from all the castes and from both the genders
Opposed blood sacrifices.
Believed in the doctrine of Karma.
Emphasized on right conduct and right knowledge instead of performing religious ceremonials and rituals as the means to achieve salvation.
Dissimilarities
| JAINISM | BUDDHISM |
|---|
| It followed extreme path. | It followed middle path. |
| It remained in India only. | It spread across many parts of the world. |
| It does not believe in the existence of god, but believes soul in every living being. | It emphasises on ANATMA (no eternal soul) and ANITYA (impernance). |
Buddhist Councils
First – Rajagriha
Second – Vaishali
Third – Pataliputra
Fourth – Kashmir
Influence of Buddhism in Tamilnadu
Buddhism spread to Tamil Nadu much later than Jainism. Manimekalai, one of the epics of the post-Sangam age is a Buddhist literature.
There is an elaborate description about Kanchipuram in classical epic Manimegalai. Kanchipuram was a famous Buddhist Centre, from where Dinnaga, the famous Buddhist logician, and Dharmapala, a great scholar of Nalanda University hailed.
Hieun Tsang who visited Kanchipuram in the seventh century A.D(CE). noticed the presence of 100 feet stupa built by Ashoka there
Jataka Story
The Jatakas are popular stories about the previous birth and life of Buddha, as human and as an animal. They teach morals.
Once upon a time, there lived a woodpecker and a lion. One day, the lion hunted a big bison and sat down to eat it. It so happened that while having his meal, a big bone got stuck in the lion's throat. He was not able to remove it and was in great pain. A kind-hearted woodpecker offered to help the lion. The woodpecker, however, told the lion that he would only take out the bone if the lion promised not to eat him while removing the bone. The lion gladly agreed and opened his mouth in front of the woodpecker. The woodpecker hopped inside the lion's mouth, and easily pulled out the bone. The lion kept his promise and let the woodpecker fly away.
Soon the lion recovered completely and killed another bison. The woodpecker also thought of joining the lion and asked for a small share of meat. To her utter disappointment the lion blatantly refused to share his meal with her. The Lion said, how dare you ask me for more favours? I have already done so much for you
The woodpecker did not understand what the lion was talking about. The lion then clarified, you should be thankful to me that I did not devour you when you were taking out the bone from my throat. Now do not expect anything else from me and go away.
The woodpecker said to himself, "It was indeed a mistake to help such an ungrateful creature, Nevertheless, it is not worth being angry or holding grudge against someone as unworthy as him.
Elsewhere in the world 6th Century BC (BCE)
Elsewhere in the world sixth Century BC (BCE)
Summary
The Sixth century BC (BCE) was an important period of the intellectual and spiritual development in India.
Jainism was a doctrine developed by 24 Tirthankaras.
Mahavira exhorted the three-fold path – Right faith, Right knowledge, Right action.
Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism.
Buddha's teachings are referred to as dhamma.
Buddhism crossed the frontiers of Indian sub-continent but Jainism was confined to India.
Basic philosophy of Jainism and Buddhism is ahimsa or non-violence
GLOSSARY
Superstitious beliefs belief in things that are not real or possible (மூடநம்பிக்கைகள்) Preceptor a teacher or instructor (ஆசான்) Doctrine set of principles or beliefs (கோட்பாடு) Virtuous having high moral standards (நல்லொழுக்கம்) Sacred book holy book (புனித நூல்) Frescoes a painting done in water colour on wet plaster (ஈரமான சுவற்றில்வண்ணக் கலவைகொண்டு வரையப்பட்டஓவியங்கள்) Corpse a dead body (சடலம்) Nirvana A state of freedom from suffering and rebirth (துன்பம் மற்றும் பிறப்பிலிருந்து விடுதலை அல்லது நிர்வாணநிலை) Do you know
1. The word Jain derives from the Sanskrit word Jina, which means conquering self and the external world.
2. What is Karma? The belief that a person's actions in this life determine the quality of his or her later part of the current life and the next incarnation.
3. Gautama Swami, a chief disciple of Mahavira, compiled the teachings of Mahavira, called Agama sidhantha.
4. Chaitya – A Buddhist shrine or a meditation hall.
Viharas – Monastries or living quarters for monks.
Stupas – Built over the remains of Buddha's body, they are monuments of great artistic value.
5. Frescoes (paintings) Frescoes on the ceilings and walls of the Ajanta caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra – depict the Jataka Tales.
EXERCISES
Exercise I. Choose the correct answer:
1. What is the name of the Buddhist scripture?
a) Angas b) Tripitakas c) Tirukkural d) Naladiyar
2. Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
a) Rishabha b) Parsava c) Vardhamana d) Buddha
3. How many Tirthankaras were there in Jainism?
a) 23 b) 24 c) 25 d) 26
4. Where was the third Buddhist Council convened?
a. Rajagriha b. Vaishali c. Pataliputra d. Kashmir
5. Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon?
a) Lumbini b) Saranath c) Taxila d) Bodh Gaya Exercise II. Match the Statement with the Reason. Tick the appropriate answer:
1. Statement: A common man could not understand upanishads.
Reason: Upanishads were highly philosophical.
a. Statement and its Reason are correct. b. Statement is wrong. c. Statement is true, but the Reason for that is wrong. d. Both Statement and Reason are wrong.
2. Statement: The Jatakas are popular tales.
Reason: Frescoes on the ceilings and walls of Ajanta caves depict the Jataka Tales.
a. Statement and its Reason are correct. b. Statement is wrong. c. Statement is true, but the Reason for that is wrong. d. Both statement and Reason are wrong.
3. Find out the correct answer: Buddha Viharas are used for
1. Education
2. stay of Buddhist monks
3. Pilgrims' stay
4. Prayer hall
a. 2 is correct b. 1 and 3 are correct c. 1, 2, 4 are correct d. 1 and 4 are correct
4. Consider the following statements regarding the causes of the origin of Jainism and Buddhism.
I. Sacrificial ceremonies were expensive.
II. Supertitious beliefs and practices confused the common man.
Which of the above statement is or are correct?
a. Only I b. Only II c. Both I & II d. Neither I nor II
5. Which of the following about Jainism is correct?
a. Jainism denies God as the creator of universe. b. Jainism accepts God as the creator of universe. c. The basic philosophy of Jainism is idol worship. d. Jains accept the belief in Last Judgement.
6. Circle the odd one:
Parsava, Mahavira, Buddha, Rishaba
7. Find out the wrong pair:
a. Ahimsa - not to injure b. Satya - to speak truth c. Asteya - not to steal d. Brahmacharya - married status
8. All the following statements are true of Siddhartha Gautama except:
a. He is the founder of Hinduism. b. He was born in Nepal. c. He attained Nirvana. d. He was known as Sakyamuni. Exercise III. Fill in the blanks:
1. The doctrine of Mahavira is called .
2. is a state of freedom from suffering and rebirth.
3. was the founder of Buddhism.
4. Thiruparthikundram, a village in Kanchipuram was once called
5. were built over the remains of Buddha's body.
Exercise IV. True or False: 1. Buddha believed in Karma. 2. Buddha had faith in caste system. 3. Gautama Swami compiled the teachings of Mahavira. 4. Viharas are temples. 5. Emperor Ashoka followed Buddhism. Exercise V. Match the following
| 1. Angas | |
| 2. Mahavira | |
| 3. Buddha | |
| 4. Chaitya | |
| 5. Bhikshus | |
Options: Vardhamana, monks, Buddhist shrine, Sakya muni, Jain text
Exercise VI. Answer in one or two sentences
1. What are the Tri-ratnas (three jewels) of Jainism?
2. What are the two sects of Buddhism?
3. What does Jina mean?
4. Write any two common features of Buddhism and Jainism.
5. Write a note on Buddhist Sangha.
6. Name the Chinese traveler who visited Kancheepuram in seventh century AD(CE).
7. Name the female jain monk mentioned in Silapathikaram.
Exercise VII. Answer the following
1. Name the eight-fold path of Buddhism?
2. What are the five important rules of conduct in Jainism?
3. Narrate four noble truths of Buddha?
4. Write any three differences between Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism?
5. Jainism and Buddhism flourished in Sangam period. Give any two evidences for each.
Exercise VIII. HOTS
1. Karma – a person's action. Name any 10 good actions (deeds).
Exercise IX. Student Activity
1. Read any one story from Jatakas and write a similar story on your own.
2. Make a tabular column in the following headings.
Religion | Name of the founder with picture | Name of their parents | Key Principle (any one) | Sects | Symbol
3. Place the following words in the appropriate column.
Words: Jina, Mahayana, Tirthankaras, Stupas, Nirvana, Digambara, Tripitakas, Agama
4. Task cards activity: Make informative cards for the following religions.
Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism
5. Make a Venn diagram to indicate similarities and dis-similarities of Jainism and Buddhism.
6. Solve the puzzle
Left to right
1. One of the Tri Rathna: Right
2. Buddha's teachings are referred as
3. A great centre of education
4. The place where Buddha attained enlightment
5. Not to injure any living being
Right to left
6. Mother of Siddhartha
7. The Quality of man's life depends on his deed
Top to bottom
8. Lumbini is in
9. Buddhist prayer hall
10. A state of freedom from birth
11. Jain scripture compiled by Gautama Swami.
Exercise X. Life Skills
Create a story board for Jainism and Buddhism in a chart
Early life | Four Noble Truths | Eight - Fold Path | Teachings of Buddha | Buddhist Sangha | Buddhist Sects
Exercise XI. Answer Grid
The Jain monks who wear white clothes are called
Answer
What is the meaning of Buddha?
Answer
Who is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer
Who delivered Dharmachakra Pravartana?
Answer
How many noble truths are there in Buddhism?
Answer
Which religion's teachings include four noble truth and eight-fold path?
Answer
Name the earliest Buddhist literature which deals with the stories of various births of Buddha?
Answer
Name any four places where Jain monasteries were located in Tamil Nadu.
Answer
Name one of the twin Indian's Epics
Answer
ICT CORNER
Virtual Tour of Sittanavasal
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Step 1. Open the Browser and type the URL or scan QR code which is given below.
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Step 3. Open slide view in menu bar and access control button
Step 4. Click "Red Arrow Button" you can see cave paintings
URL http://view360.in/virtualtour/sithannavasal/
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
I. Choose the correct answer
1. What is the name of the Buddhist scripture?
a) Angas b) Tripitakas c) Tirukkural d) Naladiyar
Answer: b) Tripitakas
Explanation: According to the chapter, Tripitakas and Jatakas are Buddhist texts mentioned in the sources.
2. Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
a) Rishabha b) Parsava c) Vardhamana d) Buddha
Answer: a) Rishabha
Explanation: The chapter states that the first Tirthankara was Rishabha and the last one was Mahavira.
3. How many Tirthankaras were there in Jainism?
a) 23 b) 24 c) 25 d) 26
Answer: b) 24
Explanation: The chapter clearly mentions that Jainism grounds itself in 24 Tirthankaras.
4. Where was the third Buddhist Council convened?
a) Rajagriha b) Vaishali c) Pataliputra d) Kashmir
Answer: c) Pataliputra
Explanation: According to the Buddhist Councils mentioned in the chapter, the third council was held at Pataliputra.
5. Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon?
a) Lumbini b) Saranath c) Taxila d) Bodh Gaya
Answer: b) Saranath
Explanation: The chapter states that Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, near Benaras.
II. Match the Statement with the Reason. Tick the appropriate answer
1. Statement: A common man could not understand upanishads. Reason: Upanishads were highly philosophical.
a) Statement and its Reason are correct b) Statement is wrong c) Statement is true, but the Reason for that is wrong d) Both Statement and Reason are wrong
Answer: a) Statement and its Reason are correct
Explanation: The chapter mentions that Upanishads taught as alternative to sacrificial rites were too philosophical, which a layperson could not understand.
2. Statement: The Jatakas are popular tales. Reason: Frescoes on the ceilings and walls of Ajanta caves depict the Jataka Tales.
a) Statement and its Reason are correct b) Statement is wrong c) Statement is true, but the Reason for that is wrong d) Both statement and Reason are wrong
Answer: a) Statement and its Reason are correct
Explanation: The chapter states that Jatakas are popular stories and mentions that frescoes on Ajanta caves depict the Jataka Tales.
3. Find out the correct answer: Buddha Viharas are used for 1. Education 2. stay of Buddhist monks 3. Pilgrims' stay 4. Prayer hall
a) 2 is correct b) 1 and 3 are correct c) 1, 2, 4 are correct d) 1 and 4 are correct
Answer: c) 1, 2, 4 are correct
Explanation: The chapter mentions that Viharas are monasteries or living quarters for monks, and also states that Viharas became great centres of education.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the causes of the origin of Jainism and Buddhism. I. Sacrificial ceremonies were expensive. II. Superstitious beliefs and practices confused the common man. Which of the above statement is or are correct?
a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I & II d) Neither I nor II
Answer: c) Both I & II
Explanation: The chapter mentions both expensive sacrificial ceremonies and superstitious beliefs and practices that confused the common man as causes for the rise of new faiths.
5. Which of the following about Jainism is correct?
a) Jainism denies God as the creator of universe b) Jainism accepts God as the creator of universe c) The basic philosophy of Jainism is idol worship d) Jains accept the belief in Last Judgement
Answer: a) Jainism denies God as the creator of universe
Explanation: The chapter clearly states that Jainism denies God as the creator of Universe and that Jains reject the belief in Last judgement.
6. Circle the odd one: Parsava, Mahavira, Buddha, Rishaba
Answer: Buddha
Explanation: Buddha is the founder of Buddhism, while Parsava, Mahavira, and Rishaba are Tirthankaras of Jainism.
7. Find out the wrong pair:
a) Ahimsa - not to injure b) Satya - to speak truth c) Asteya - not to steal d) Brahmacharya - married status
Answer: d) Brahmacharya - married status
Explanation: According to the chapter, Brahmacharya means celibacy, not married status.
8. All the following statements are true of Siddhartha Gautama except:
a) He is the founder of Hinduism b) He was born in Nepal c) He attained Nirvana d) He was known as Sakyamuni
Answer: a) He is the founder of Hinduism
Explanation: The chapter states that Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism, not Hinduism. He was born in Lumbini Garden, Nepal, and was known as Sakya Muni.
III. Fill in the blanks
1. The doctrine of Mahavira is called ____.
Answer: Jainism
2. ____ is a state of freedom from suffering and rebirth.
Answer: Nirvana
3. ____ was the founder of Buddhism.
Answer: Gautama Buddha
4. Thiruparthikundram, a village in Kanchipuram was once called ____
Answer: Jina Kanchi
5. ____ were built over the remains of Buddha's body.
Answer: Stupas
IV. True or False
1. Buddha believed in Karma.
Answer: True
2. Buddha had faith in caste system.
Answer: False
3. Gautama Swami compiled the teachings of Mahavira.
Answer: True
4. Viharas are temples.
Answer: False
5. Emperor Ashoka followed Buddhism.
Answer: True
V. Match the following
1. Match the Following
| 1. Angas | a) Vardhamana |
| 2. Mahavira | b) monks |
| 3. Buddha | c) Buddhist shrine |
| 4. Chaitya | d) Sakya muni |
| 5. Bhikshus | e) Jain text |
Answers: 1-e, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c, 5-b
VI. Answer in one or two sentences
1. What are the Tri-ratnas (three jewels) of Jainism?
Answer: The three jewels of Jainism are Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Action. Mahavira exhorted this three-fold path for the attainment of moksha and liberation from Karma.
2. What are the two sects of Buddhism?
Answer: The two sects of Buddhism are Hinayana and Mahayana. Hinayana is also known as Theravada and spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and South East Asian countries, while Mahayana spread to Central Asia, Tibet, China and Japan.
3. What does Jina mean?
Answer: Jina means one who conquered worldly pleasure and attachment. After Vardhamana attained supreme knowledge, he became Jina and his followers are called Jains.
4. Write any two common features of Buddhism and Jainism.
Answer: Both religions denied the authority of Vedas and taught in the language of common people. They also admitted disciples from all castes and both genders, and emphasized ahimsa or non-violence.
5. Write a note on Buddhist Sangha.
Answer: Buddha laid foundation for a missionary organization called Sangha, meaning association for the propagation of his faith. The members were called bhikshus (monks) and they led a life of austerity.
6. Name the Chinese traveler who visited Kancheepuram in seventh century AD(CE).
Answer: Hieun Tsang was the Chinese traveler who visited Kanchipuram in the seventh century AD(CE). He noticed the presence of 100 feet stupa built by Ashoka there.
7. Name the female jain monk mentioned in Silapathikaram.
Answer: Gownthiyadigal was the female Jain monk mentioned in Silapathikaram. She blessed Kovalan and Kannagi when they were on their way to Madurai and accompanied them.
VII. Answer the following
1. Name the eight-fold path of Buddhism?
Answer: The eight-fold path of Buddhism includes Right view, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Knowledge, and Right Meditation. Buddha taught that desire can be overcome by following this right path.
2. What are the five important rules of conduct in Jainism?
Answer: The five major principles of Jainism are Ahimsa (not to injure any living beings), Satya (to speak truth), Asteya (not to steal), Aparigraha (not to own property), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). Mahavira asked his followers to live a virtuous life by following these principles.
3. Narrate four noble truths of Buddha?
Answer: Buddha's Four Noble Truths are: Life is full of sorrow and misery, Desire is the cause of misery, Sorrows and sufferings can be removed by giving up one's desire, and The desire can be overcome by following the right path (Noble eight-fold path). These truths form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
4. Write any three differences between Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism?
Answer: Hinayana did not worship idols or images of Buddha while Mahayana worshiped images of Buddha. Hinayana believed salvation of the individual as its goal while Mahayana believed salvation of all beings as its objective. Hinayana used Prakrit language while Mahayana used Sanskrit language.
5. Jainism and Buddhism flourished in Sangam period. Give any two evidences for each.
Answer: For Jainism: There is a Samanar Hill in Keelakuyilkudi village near Madurai with images of Tirthankaras, and Jain caves called Pandavar Padukkai exist in Arittapatti. For Buddhism: Manimekalai, one of the post-Sangam epics, is Buddhist literature, and Kanchipuram was a famous Buddhist centre with a 100 feet stupa built by Ashoka.
VIII. HOTS
1. Karma – a person's action. Name any 10 good actions (deeds).
Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
📝 Summary
- The Sixth Century BC (BCE) witnessed an intellectual and spiritual awakening in India, called the "shower of stars" by historian Will Durant, leading to the rise of new faiths like Jainism and Buddhism.
- New faiths emerged due to complex Vedic rituals, expensive sacrificial ceremonies, superstitious practices, and social issues like slavery, caste system, and gender discrimination that confused and exploited common people.
- Mahavira (originally named Vardhamana) was born in Kundhagrama near Vaishali, Bihar, and after renouncing his princely life at age 30, attained omniscience after twelve and a half years of rigorous penance, becoming the real founder of Jainism.
- Jainism's core philosophy centers on Ahimsa (non-violence) and the Tri-ratnas (Three Jewels): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Action, with five major principles including Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya.
- Jainism later split into two sects: Digambaras (orthodox followers whose monks live naked and believe women cannot achieve nirvana directly) and Svetambaras (progressive followers whose monks wear white robes and are considered less strict).