Question 93 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Art & Culture

Question

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?

A

Buddhism

B

Jainism

C

Shaivism

D

Vaishnavism

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Jainism

Strategy: Identify Jainism's distinctive belief that souls are present in non-living entities like rocks and water. This universal animism is a hallmark of Jain philosophical doctrine and differentiates it from other major ancient Indian sects. Focus on this unique inclusivity regarding souls in Jainism to quickly determine the correct option.

Key Info: Jainism asserts a comprehensive animistic cosmology in which both living ('Jiva') and non-living ('Ajiva') things possess souls. Entities like rocks, water, fire, wind, and earth are classified as 'Sthavara Jiva' (immobile life forms), each inhabited by a soul. Jain metaphysics professes that all entities, regardless of external life, contain a spiritual essence, distinguishing it sharply from other major ancient Indian sects.

### Contrasting Philosophies

*   **Buddhism** explicitly denies the eternal soul (anatman doctrine), rejecting the existence of independent, permanent souls in any entities.
*   **Shaivism and Vaishnavism** accept the concept of soul (Atman or Jiva) but restrict it to living beings and do not extend it to inanimate nature in this animistic manner.

Jain texts such as the Tattvartha Sutra and the teachings of Mahavira elaborate on this all-souls doctrine, forming a basis for Jain ethics of non-violence (ahimsa) towards all existence.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Buddhism

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Shaivism

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Vaishnavism