Question

Jaina monks and nuns took five vows. Identify the correct statements from below:
A. Abstain from killing
B. Abstain from stealing and lying
C. Renounce monastic existence and embrace the world
D. Abstain from possessing property
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and C only
• B. A, B and D only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

The 5 Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas) of Jainism:
1. Non-injury (Ahimsa)
2. Truthfulness (Satya)
3. Non-stealing (Asteya)
4. Celibacy (Brahmacharya)
5. Non-possession (Aparigraha)
Statement C is an absurd opposite of ascetic practice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Jainism places profound emphasis on asceticism, moral discipline, and renunciation of worldly ties to escape the cycle of karma.
To achieve liberation, Jaina monks and nuns are mandated to strictly observe the five great vows (Pancha Mahavratas).

Step 1: Identifying the Five Great Vows of Jainism:
The five core vows prescribed for Jaina ascetics are:
1. Ahimsa: Abstaining from killing or causing harm to any living being.
2. Satya: Abstaining from telling lies (speaking the truth).
3. Asteya: Abstaining from stealing.
4. Brahmacharya: Practicing strict celibacy.
5. Aparigraha: Abstaining from possessing any form of worldly property.

Step 2: Evaluating the Given Statements:
Statement A corresponds to Ahimsa (abstain from killing) and is correct.
Statement B combines Asteya and Satya (abstain from stealing and lying) and is correct.
Statement C claims monks “renounce monastic existence and embrace the world”, which is the exact opposite of Jain ascetic ideals. Monks renounce worldly life to embrace monasticism. Hence, Statement C is false.
Statement D corresponds to Aparigraha (abstain from possessing property) and is correct.
Final Answer:
The correct statements are A, B, and D only.