Social Science Jainism and Buddhism (notebook exercises)

Jainism and Buddhism

     New words

1.      Denounce

2.      Filial piety

3.      Incarnation

4.      Liberation

5.      Meditate

6.      Salvation

7.      Sermon

Q.4 Answer the following questions in 10 to 20 words.

a) List the names of some of the Upanishads.

Ans. a)There were various Upanishads, such as Isha, kena, Katha, Parsha, Mundaka, Koushik, Tittriya, Aitaerya, Chandogya, Brihadaranyaka.

b) what were the Upanishads also known as?

Ans. b) The Upanishads were known as Vedanta.

c) Which event is called as the ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’?

Ans. c) Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon in the Pali language at Sarnath, which is called the ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’.

Q.5. Answer the following questions in 50 to 70 words.

a) write a short note on the Upanishads.

Ans. a) The term Upanishad means sitting down near; this implies students sitting down, near their Guru to learn the big secret. In Sanskrit, these words mean upa near ni down and sad to sit. Philosophers who composed the Upanishads pondered upon the various ambiguities of life and its creation. The answers they found were, nevertheless, open to only few selected students, the reason being not everyone can handle knowledge. The Upanishads opened up the intriguing account of creation, life, the essence of life through episodes, commentaries, stories and dialogues. They were compiled over a long period, mainly the Mahajanapadas period. The Upanishads were initially known as Vedanta, which literally means the conclusion to the Vedas. There were various Upanishads such as Isha, Kena, Katha, Parsha, Mundaka, Koushik, Taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya, Brihadarnayaka.

b) Discuss the Teachings of Jainism.

Ans. b) The five principles of Jainism are

·        Ahimsa: not to injure any living being.

·        Satya: not to speak lies.

·        Asteya: not to steal.

·        Tyag: not to own property.

·        Brahmacharya: observance of celibacy.

The first four teachings were taken from the earlier Tirthankaras whereas the last teaching was added by Mahavira. The followers of Jainism are known as Jains. The Jains believe that liberation from worldly bonds can be obtained by following Triratnas or three jewels of Jainism. They are: right knowledge, right faith and right action.

c) what were the factors responsible for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.

·        Ans. c) The period during 600 BCE and 400 BCE saw the development of a complex caste system which came to be based on birth.

·        This rigidity in the caste system saw great opposition, which later on gave rise to new religions.  The caste system became very rigid and importance was given to the three upper castes; Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. The Sudras were looked down upon.

·        As trade was increasing, the economic conditions of the Vaishyas improved. However, they were considered low in the social ladder as compared to Brahmins and Kshatriyas.

·        People were forced to follow elaborate and costly rituals as subscribed by the Brahmins.

·        Animal Sacrifice became common.

·        Importance was given to Sanskrit which was not understood by masses. All the above factors led to religious unrest in India. People wanted a simple religion in a language known to them. These were fulfilled by the teachings of Gautam Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavira.

d) State the Eight Fold Path.

Ans. d) The Eight Fold Path consists of :

·        Right Faith means a basic and thorough understanding of the Four Noble Truths.

·        Right Thought means having a unselfish and mentally healthy attitude to life, free from hatred and greed.

·        Right Speech means speaking words that are good and true. One should not lie or gossip.

·        Right Action means always conducting oneself in a way that does not harm, hurt nor displease anyone. Cheating, stealing and murder are specifically denounced.

·        Right Living means that one must always strive to earn one’s livelihood by honest means.

·        Right Effort means one should conscientiously strive to develop good tendencies and destroy negative inclinations.

·        Right Remembrance means we should introspect about our inclinations and not give easily to temptation.

·        Right meditation means working towards training your mind for intense concentration which , in turn, will lead to salvation.

Q.6. Give Reasons:

1. Buddhism spread nationally and internationally.

Ans. 1) The spread of Buddhism nationally and internationally due to two main things; the support of the common people and state patronage. Ashoka incorporated the principles of Buddhism and promoted the same.  By 250 BCE, Buddhism had spread to Sri Lanka. Later, the Mahayana sect of Buddhism reached South-East Asia and China. In the 6^TH Century CE, it extended to Cambodia and in the 4^th century CE to Thailand. The influence of Buddhism also established its root in countries and regions such as Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet, Central Asia, and Japan.

Q.7. Picture Study

a) which religion is the symbol shown associated with?

Ans. a) The symbol shown in the text is associated with Buddhism.

b) Discuss about the sacred books of the religion.

Ans. b) The sacred books of Buddhism is called the Tripitakas. It is written in Pali language. Pitaka in Pali means a basket and Tri stands for three. The Baskets of Teachings were handed down over the centuries from the teacher to the student. The Three baskets are basket of Discipline (Vinaya pitaka), basket of Discourses (Sutta pitaka), and basket of Ultimate Things (Abhidhamma pitaka)