"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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Shaivism
- (d) Vaishnavism
Why the answer is (b)
• Jainism holds that jiva (soul) pervades not only animals and plants but also the elements — earth, water, fire, air — so that rocks, running water and even wind are 'one-sensed' living beings.
• This belief underlies the Jain doctrine of ahimsa in its strictest form: monks avoid harming even earth-bodied and water-bodied beings, filtering water and not digging soil — option (b).
• Buddhism denies a permanent soul altogether (anatta); Shaivism and Vaishnavism accept souls in living beings but do not attribute souls to rocks and water.
• The statement paraphrases descriptions in standard histories of Jain metaphysics.
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Buddhism
- Buddhism teaches anatta, the absence of a permanent soul.
- (c) Shaivism
- Shaivism does not attribute souls to rocks and water.
- (d) Vaishnavism
- Vaishnavism does not hold that natural objects have souls.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.