Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2017

Buddhist Ontology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who has propounded the doctrine of momentariness?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Kshanikavada (Doctrine of Momentariness) is the extreme logical extension of the Buddha's teaching on impermanence (Anicca).

Explanation Buddha taught that nothing in the universe is permanent. Later Buddhist philosophers refined this to say that things don't just 'change' over time, but actually perish and are replaced by a new state every single 'kshana' (moment).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. The Buddha’s focus on flux and change led directly to this unique ontological position.
Logic 2: This doctrine supports the idea of 'No-Self' (Anatta), as there is no stable entity that lasts from one moment to the next.

Active Recall

Question

If everything is momentary, how do we see stable objects?

Answer

Similar moments arise in rapid succession, creating an illusion of continuity, much like the frames of a moving film.

Core Insight

The Doctrine of Momentariness is the Buddhist answer to the problem of change, defining reality as a process rather than a substance.