[Solved] Jainism Beliefs: Souls in Rocks and Water Explained

'Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.' The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

[UPSC CSE Previous Year]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The core of Jain philosophy is that the entire world is animated—even rocks, stones, and water have life. This leads to the fundamental principle of non-injury to all living beings.

Authentic Source Evidence

According to Jain scriptures and NCERT, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma, which is achievable only by protecting all forms of life.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option B is correct because Jainism uniquely extends the concept of 'Jiva' (soul) to non-living entities like rocks and running water, necessitating the practice of strict non-violence (Ahimsa).

Logic 2: While Buddhism (Option A) emphasizes compassion, it does not traditionally attribute souls to inanimate objects like rocks. Shaivism and Vaishnavism (Options C & D) focus on theistic devotion rather than this specific pan-psychic view of natural elements.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How does the Jain concept of soul impact their daily lifestyle?"

It leads to extreme non-violence where practitioners may wear masks or sweep paths to avoid accidentally harming even microscopic life or spirits in the air and water.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The recognition of life in 'inanimate' objects is the philosophical foundation that makes Jainism the most rigorous practitioner of environmental ethics in the ancient world."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Ahimsa 10 Karma 3 Jiva and Ajiva 2

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