Q. Which of the following was not one of the points of religious difference between Buddhism and Jainism?
(a) Compared to Jainism, Buddhism was modereate in its stress on the doctrine of ahimsa
(b) Whereas Jainism believed in rigorous asceticism, Buddhism considered rigid penance to be useless
(c) Unlike Buddhism, Jainism did not altogether dispense with the worship of the old deities or the servies of the Brahmins
(d) While Buddhism acknowledges a permanent entity or an immortal soul, Jainism does not
Ans: (d) While Buddhism acknowledges a permanent entity or an immortal soul, Jainism does not
Explanation: The option that correctly identifies a point of religious difference between Buddhism and Jainism is (d) While Buddhism acknowledges a permanent entity or an immortal soul, Jainism does not.
In Buddhism, the concept of an eternal soul or permanent entity, known as “atman” in Sanskrit, is rejected. Buddhism teaches the doctrine of “anatta” or “anatman,” which states that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. According to Buddhism, all phenomena, including individuals, are composed of ever-changing and interdependent elements, and there is no inherent, independent self.
On the other hand, Jainism also rejects the concept of an eternal, immortal soul. Jain philosophy emphasizes the concept of “jiva,” which refers to the individual soul or consciousness. However, Jainism views the soul as inherently pure and capable of achieving liberation through the practice of asceticism and spiritual purification.
Therefore, the statement in option (d) is incorrect. While Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul, Jainism also rejects the notion of an immortal soul or permanent entity.
