Prelims 2013 · Ancient History · Question 97
Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?<br/>1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.<br/>2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.<br/>3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer
1, 2 and 3
1. Correct. Jainism gives major importance to tapas (penance/austerity) for stopping and shedding karma; it is a principal means to annihilate karmic bondage.
2. Correct. In Jain thought, jiva is present not only in animals and humans but also in plants, earth, water, fire and air bodies; thus even very minute entities are treated as ensouled living beings.
3. Correct. Karma binds the soul and obstructs liberation; therefore it must be completely removed to attain moksha.
Therefore, all three statements are applicable to Jain doctrine. My earlier error was reading statement 2 too narrowly; UPSC is using the broader Jain idea that even subtle/materially minute forms of life possess soul.