44th B.P.S.C. Prelims 2000

Comparative Shramana Religions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following is not common between Buddhism and Jainism?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept While both religions are part of the Shramana tradition and share many ethical values, they differ sharply on the role of physical penance.

Explanation Jainism views Self-mortification (Kaya-klesha) as essential to burn off past karma. Buddhism, however, follows the Middle Path (Madhyama Pratipada), having rejected extreme asceticism as unproductive for enlightenment.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is the point of divergence. Jainism permits fasting unto death (Sallekhana), while Buddha taught that the body must be maintained in health to support meditation.
Logic 2: Ahimsa (A), Rejection of Vedas (B), and Rituals (D) are foundational shared principles for both faiths.

Active Recall

Question

What led Buddha to reject self-mortification?

Answer

After practicing extreme starvation, he realized that a weakened body cannot support a clear and focused mind necessary for enlightenment.

Core Insight

The difference in self-mortification defines the character of these religions: Jainism as a path of rigorous self-conquest and Buddhism as a path of psychological balance.