Deck 6: Jainism

Question 1

Which of the following is true regarding the role of women in the Digambara Jain sect?

A) Women are exalted.
B) Women are considered more powerful than men.
C) Women are prohibited from entering monasteries and temples.
D) Women may find "release" just like men.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

This group is located in northern India and is liberal in its interpretation of Mahavira's teachings.

A) Digambaras
B) Agamas
C) Siddhantas
D) Svetambaras

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following is not likely to be the profession of a devout Jain?

A) businessperson
B) soldier
C) airline pilot
D) nurse

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Mahavira taught that karma is built up as the result of what type of conduct?

A) evil conduct
B) righteous conduct
C) all conduct
D) prayerful conduct

Question 5

Jains have become one of the wealthiest groups in modern India because of their emphasis on truthfulness and their reputation for being

A) excellent businesspeople.
B) successful farmers.
C) highly educated.
D) lawyer/barristers.

Question 6

Which group of people characterizes the ideal life of a Jain?

A) nuns
B) priests
C) brothers
D) monks

Question 7

Mahavira and the other figures associated with the establishment of Jainism are called Tirthankaras, which means

A) noble ones.
B) crossing builders.
C) conquerors.
D) enlightened one.

Question 8

This Jain festival lasts for eight days and encourages the laity to live as monks for at least one day.

A) Paijusana
B) Divali
C) Holi
D) Kali

Question 9

Jains believe that the flesh is evil and must be tormented so this can attain release from the cycle of births.

A) soul
B) body
C) heart
D) male

Question 10

Why are Jains one of the wealthiest classes in India?

A) because they control the banking industry
B) because of prohibitions on professions that take a life or profit from slaughter are prohibited, they've had to turn to commercial professions
C) because their asceticism encourages them to save their money
D) because they own large tracts of land in India

Question 11

Based on Mahavira's life, which of the following words best describes ascetic life?

A) pleasure
B) luxury
C) deprivation
D) wealth

Question 12

The philosophical worldview of Jainism can be described as

A) monistic.
B) polytheistic.
C) dualistic.
D) singular.

Question 13

How many Tirthankaras do Jains worship in their temples?

A) 16
B) 20
C) 23
D) 24

Question 14

Which of the following is the title of the Jain scriptures?

A) Vedas
B) Agamas
C) Tirthankaras
D) Gitas

Question 15

How many Tirthankaras preceded Mahavira in the founding of Jainism?

A) Ten
B) Fifteen
C) Twenty-three
D) Thirty-three

Question 16

Why did the Jains separate into two sects by 80 B.C.E., sects that still exist today?

A) They separated because of a land dispute.
B) They separated because they disagreed over what it meant to be a true Jain.
C) They separated over a dispute involving the leadership of the religion.
D) They separated over a dispute involving the role of children in the religion.

Question 17

Orthodox Jains believe that these are the actual sermons or teachings Mahavira gave to his disciples.

A) Agamas
B) Siddhantas
C) Digambaras
D) Svetambaras

Question 18

After twelve years of being an ascetic, Mahavira achieved a release from the bonds that tie one's soul to the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth called

A) ahimsa.
B) moksha.
C) jiva.
D) ajiva.

Question 19

Because of their doctrine of ahimsa, Jains are

A) vegetarians.
B) farmers.
C) soldiers.
D) biologists.

Question 20

One of the five vows Jain monks take is to renounce this pleasure.

A) sexual
B) worldly
C) culinary
D) earthly

Question 21

Discuss the philosophical dualism that underlies Jainism. What problems does this dualism present to the Jain and what is the solution?

Question 22

Explain the disagreement between the Svetambara sect and the Digambara sect regarding the role of women in Jainism. Which sect can claim to more truly adhere to the teachings of Mahavira?

Question 23

Mahavira's life was similar to what other religious figure's life?

A) the Prophet Muhammad
B) Jesus Christ
C) Buddha
D) Gandhi

Question 24

What Hindu holiday do Jains observe?

A) Holi
B) the Hindi new year
C) Divali
D) Bengali

Question 25

What are the five vows Jain monks take to guide their lives? Explain the reason for each vow and how it represents the ideal life of a Jain.

Question 26

Practitioners of this religion and Jains share an understanding of time and religion.

A) Hinduism
B) Theravada Buddhism
C) Roman Catholicism
D) Orthodox Judaism

Question 27

According to Jain teachings, all living beings owe their present form to their own

A) moksha.
B) parents.
C) ancestors.
D) karma.

Question 28

Discuss the basic Jain teachings. Give examples of them in the life of Mahavira.

Question 29

What is one way Jains worship at home?

A) They recite the names of the saints from the past.
B) They cook elaborate meals with special foods.
C) They erect altars to their ancestors.
D) They dress in special clothing.

Question 30

Name the two main Jain festivals and their significance. How much emphasis do Jains place on corporate worship and rituals?