Question 1

Jainas believe that it is not possible for souls to ascend to liberation in the current time cycle.

Accepted Answer

In Jainism, it is believed that we are currently in a time cycle called "Dushama," during which it is extremely difficult for souls to achieve liberation (moksha) due to the prevalence of negative karmic influences.

Question 2

The Jinas are viewed as being indifferent to their worshippers.

Accepted Answer

In Jainism, Jinas are considered liberated souls who have transcended worldly concerns and do not intervene in the affairs of the world, including the lives of their worshippers.

Question 3

The Jaina festival of Mahavira Jayanti celebrates the liberation of Mahavira.

Accepted Answer

Mahavira Jayanti celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, not his liberation.

Question 4

Jainas often debate the question of identity, that is, who is an authentic and true Jaina.

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Question 5

The majority of people who respond to Jainism's call have been men.

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Question 6

Women and men are considered equal in the Jaina tradition.

Accepted Answer

In the Jaina tradition, while women can achieve spiritual progress, they are often seen as needing to be reborn as men to attain liberation, reflecting a gender inequality in spiritual status.

Question 7

The ideals of womanhood in Jainism are different from the other South Asian traditions.

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Question 8

Svetambaras forbid women full entry into mendicancy.

Accepted Answer

Svetambara Jainism allows women to take full vows and become nuns, unlike some other religious traditions that may restrict women's roles.

Question 9

The female body is at the center of the debate over spiritual liberation between Digambara and Svetambara Jains.

Accepted Answer

The Digambara sect believes that women must be reborn as men to achieve liberation, while the Svetambara sect believes women can achieve liberation in their current form.

Question 10

The majority of Jaina women and men live an ascetic life without much focus on career, community and family.

Accepted Answer

While asceticism is a significant aspect of Jainism, the majority of Jains, including women and men, live as householders, balancing religious practices with careers, community, and family life.

Question 11

Reform movements sought to keep Jainism as traditional as possible during India's colonial period (1857-1947).

Accepted Answer

Reform movements during India's colonial period aimed to modernize and adapt Jainism to contemporary contexts, rather than strictly maintaining traditional practices.

Question 12

Following Indian independence, there have been efforts to gain recognition of Jainism as a world religion with universal appeal.

Accepted Answer

Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, has been promoted by its followers as having universal values and principles, and efforts have been made to gain broader recognition of its global relevance and appeal.

Question 13

In 2014, the Supreme Court of India refused to grant minority status to the Jaina community.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court of India did not refuse minority status to the Jaina community in 2014. In fact, the Jaina community was granted minority status by the Government of India in January 2014.

Question 14

The message of ahimsa is a globally relevant principle that lends credibility to Jainism as a world religion.

Accepted Answer

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a universal principle that resonates with global values of peace and compassion, enhancing Jainism's relevance and credibility as a world religion.

Question 15

What is the role of the Jina in Jaina tradition?

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Question 16

What, according to the Jaina tradition, constitutes the true Self?

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Question 17

What is the Jaina position on the soul's relationship to violence?

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Question 18

What are the main differences between the Svetambara and Digambara Jaina sects?

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Question 19

What characterized the shramana movement, of which Jainism emerged as a part?

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Question 20

What were the characteristics of the original Jaina sangha? What was the relationship of the various branches of the community?

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Quiz 9: Jaina Traditions