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Explore the fascinating world of Jainism, one of the oldest religions in India, known for its profound spiritual insights and commitment to non-violence. This quiz will challenge your understanding of Jain principles, practices, and historical influences that have shaped its unique path. Discover the core beliefs that emphasize self-discipline and asceticism while learning about the influential figures who have guided its followers over centuries. Test your knowledge on how Jainism’s teachings promote harmony with all living beings and its impact on culture and philosophy. This challenge is meant not only for experts in Jainism, but for anyone who would like to learn more about it. Read the explanations offered at the bottom of the quiz to expand your knowledge.
Answer all the questions and choose one response for each of them.
1. Which principle is central to Jain ethics and philosophy?
2. What are Tirthankaras in Jainism?
3. How does Jainism view the concept of God?
4. What is Kevala Jnana in Jainism?
5. In what way do Digambara monks differ from Svetambara monks?
6. What is the primary goal of Jain spiritual practice?
The correct answers are the ones corresponding to the letter C. Count the number of times you chose answer C and check your profile below.
0: Jainism is not your thing!
1-2: You are a quite misinformed Jain
3-4: You are an evolving Jain
5-6: You are a true expert on Jainism!
Explanation of answers
1. Which principle is central to Jain ethics and philosophy?
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the cornerstone of Jain ethics and philosophy. It involves not causing harm to any living being through thoughts, words, or actions. Jains believe that practicing ahimsa leads to purification of the soul and ultimately liberation.
2. What are Tirthankaras in Jainism?
Tirthankaras are revered as spiritual teachers who have achieved perfect knowledge (Kevala Jnana) and guide others on the path to liberation. There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jain tradition, with Mahavira being the last one.
3. How does Jainism view the concept of God?
Jainism does not subscribe to the belief in a creator god or divine intervention in worldly matters. Instead, it emphasizes self-reliance and personal responsibility for one’s actions as each soul has the potential for divinity through self-realization.
4. What is Kevala Jnana in Jainism?
Kevala Jnana refers to omniscience or perfect knowledge that an individual attains upon reaching enlightenment in Jainism. It signifies complete understanding of all things past, present, and future without any obstruction.
5. In what way do Digambara monks differ from Svetambara monks?
One significant doctrinal difference between these two sects is their belief regarding women’s ability to attain Moksha; Digambaras hold that women must be reborn as men before achieving liberation whereas Svetambaras believe women can achieve it directly.
6. What is the primary goal of Jain spiritual practice?
The primary goal of Jain spiritual practice is to achieve Moksha, or liberation, which means freeing the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). This is accomplished through strict adherence to non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment.
Disclaimer: Please acknowledge that this quiz, despite being developed by experts in the fields of spirituality and philosophy, is not intended to exhaustively probe your understanding of Jainism. Its primary purpose is to entertain and stimulate the user’s mind and curiosity. Therefore, remember to consider its results as purely indicative and use the explanations provided as food for thought rather than as judgments about yourself.