UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 24
Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
- The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
- Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
- Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Jainism teaches that karma binds the living soul and can be shed through ethical self-control, asceticism and penance; it recognises life in even minute elemental entities.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Ascetic practice and penance (tapas) help burn accumulated karma.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Jain teaching attributes jiva to myriad minute living beings, including earth-bodied and water-bodied life.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Karmic matter binds the soul and must be exhausted to attain liberation.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - excludes true items 2, 3.
B: Incorrect - excludes true item 1.
C: Incorrect - excludes true item 2.
D: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.