Exam 9: Jaina Traditions

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

In the Jaina tradition, what does the term jiva refer to?

Whom do Jainas revere as the most recent of the Jinas in this time cycle, sometimes considered the "founder" of present Jainism?

How can we make sense of the apparent paradox in Jainism between the other-worldly focus of its asceticism, on the one hand, and the this-worldly emphasis manifested in the business acumen, worldly success, and strong social identity of the lay community on the other? Explain with reference to key Jaina notions.

Women and men are considered equal in the Jaina tradition.

What does the name of the Jaina sect Svetambara literally mean?

What second-century text is cherished by both the Svetambara and Digambara Jainas?

Svetambaras and Digambaras fundamentally disagree on the nature of the soul.

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

The permanent state of Enlightenment achieved by Jaina devotees is known as samyak darshan.

What was the main concern of Jaina reformers particularly between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries? How is their impact visible today?

According to the Jaina tradition, what is the most fundamental existential problem that prevents the soul from achieving a state of bliss?

The Jinas are viewed as being indifferent to their worshippers.

The Jaina community is well known for which of the following?

For Jainas, the highest possible value is ahimsa (non-violence).