32 Important Questions on Main teachings of Jainism

1. What was the name of Mahavir’s father ?

Ans. Siddhartha, who was the head of a Kshatriya clan.

2.What was the name of Mahayir’s mother ?

Ans. Trishla, who was a Lichhavi princess.

3. To whom Mahavir was married ?

Ans. Yashoda.

4. What was the name of the daughter of Mahavir ?

Ans. Priyadarshna.

5. At what age Mahavir attained Kaivalya ?

Ans. At the age of forty two he finally attained perfect knowledge Kaivalya) and became Mahavir or Jina (the conqueror).

6. Why his followers are to be known as Jains ?

Ans. After attaining Kaivalya he was known a Jina, so his followers are known as Jains.

7. What does the term Tirthankara’ mean in Jainism ?

Ans. The founders and preachers of Jain religion are known as Tirthankaras.

8. How many Tirthankaras are known in Jainism?

Ans. 24 Tirthankaras.

9. Who was was the first Tirthankara in Jainism ?

Ans. Rishabhdeva

10. Who was the second Tirthankara in Jainism?

Ans.Arishtanemi.

11. Priyadarshna, the daughter of Mahavir was married to whom ?

Ans. Jamali, his most favourite disciple.

1 2. Who was the twenty third Tirthankara ?

Ans. Parshavanath.

13. Who was the twenty fourth and last Tirthankara ?

Ans. Vardhaman Mahavir.

14. What does the term ‘Nirgranthas’ mean ?

Ans. At first Mahavir followed the practices of an ascetic group called the Nirgranthas (free from wants).

15. Who founded the Nirgranthas ?

Ans. Parshavanath.

16. What is Ajivakas ?

Ans. A sect of Jainism founded by Gosalamaskriputra.

17. Who laid the important principles of Jainism ?

Ans. Parshavanath.

18. What are the Triratnas (Three Jewels) in Jainism ?

Ans. Right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.

19. What are the five Mahavarta (important principles) of Jainism ?

Ans. Ahimsa, Satya (truth), Asteya (not to steal), Aparigraha ( of disown property) and Brahmacharya.

20. In how many sects the Jainism are divided ?

Ans. ‘In two sects-Swetamber and Digamber.

21. What is the difference between Swetamber anil Digamber ?

Ans. The Swetamber wore white clothes and began to be know as the Swetamber while Digamber remained naked without any clothes on their body.

22. In which language Mahavir gave his first sermon ?

Ans. Pali.

23. To whom does the credit go for preaching Jainism >” Karnataka ?

Ans. Chandragupt Maurya.

24. To whom does the credit go for preaching Jainism Kalinga ?

Ans. The king of Kalinga. Kharvel.

25 Where was the first Jainism council held ?

Ans. Patliputra.

26 Where was the second Jainism council held ?

Ans. Vallabhi in Gujarat.

27 What are the religious texts of Jainism ?

Ans. Their chief religious texts are called Angas which are written in Prakrit language. Other Jainism religious literatures were also written in Ardhmagahi language.

28 Why war and agriculture both are prohibited in ‘ Jainism ?

Ans. Because in both cases there are killings of living beings.

29. Why farmers and soldiers couldn’t be attracted towards Jainism ?

Ans. Because Jainism laid great emphasis on Ahimsa.

30. Why Jainism is not very popular in general masses ?

Ans. Because Jainism laid great emphasis on code of conduct so they are very tough for general masses to follow.

31. What idea the Jainism has about the existence of God ?

Ans. Mahavir defied the existence of God. (RRB ’93)

32. Which doctrine did Mahavir introduce ?

Ans. Brahmacharya.