Vision Academy EducareVision Academy Educare
Question 23 of 76 · Buddhism & Jainism
Questionhard
This question was previously asked in

Defence

In Jainism, the stage of the destruction (shedding) of accumulated karmic matter from the soul is called:

Answer View answer ▾

Answer: Option D — Nirjara

Detailed Solution

In Jain philosophy, "Nirjara" is the process of shedding or destroying the karmic matter that has already become attached to the soul.

The Jain theory of karma:

  • Jains believe that karma is a kind of very fine matter that sticks to the soul (jiva) because of a person's actions, thoughts and passions.
  • This karmic matter covers the soul and prevents it from realising its true nature of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and energy.
  • To attain liberation, the soul must stop new karma from entering, and destroy the karma already attached to it.

The seven tattvas (principles) of Jainism:

  • "Jiva": soul or living being.
  • "Ajiva": non-living matter.
  • "Asrava": the inflow of karmic matter into the soul.
  • "Bandha": the bondage of the soul by karma.
  • "Samvara": the stopping of the inflow of new karma.
  • "Nirjara": the shedding of the karma already attached.
  • "Moksha": liberation, when the soul is completely free from karma.

How Nirjara is achieved:

  • Through "tapas" (austerities), such as fasting, meditation, study, repentance and service.
  • External austerities include fasting and limiting food.
  • Internal austerities include meditation, confession and humility.
  • Karma can also wear off naturally after it has given its results, but austerities speed up the process.

Liberation:

  • When all karma is destroyed, the soul becomes pure and rises to the top of the universe ("Siddhashila"), where it remains forever in bliss.
  • Such a liberated soul is called a "Siddha".

Why not the other options?

  • ✗"Asrava" is the inflow of karma.
  • ✗"Bandha" is the bondage of the soul by karma.
  • ✗"Samvara" is the stopping of new karma.

Quick tip

Remember: Jain path = Asrava (inflow) -> Bandha (bondage) -> Samvara (stoppage) -> Nirjara (shedding) -> Moksha (liberation); liberated soul = Siddha.

💬 Discussions on this question

Ask a doubt ›

Still stuck on this question? Ask our faculty and fellow students — answers appear here.

Ask a doubt

More Buddhism & Jainism Questions

View all ›
  1. Q1.The Sanchi Stupa is located in which state?
  2. Q2.Who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism?
  3. Q3.Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
  4. Q4.The Third Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which emperor?
  5. Q5.The 'Buddhacharita', a biography of the Buddha, was written by:

More General Knowledge Questions

  1. Q1.The techniques of Rasa and Bhava used in Indian classical dance trace their origin to which ancient text?Indian Dance Forms
  2. Q2.Lavani, Powada, Koli, Waghya Murali and Dhangari Gaja are folk dances of which state?Indian Dance Forms
  3. Q3.The one-act play associated with the Sattriya tradition of Assam is called:Indian Dance Forms
  4. Q4.Which dance form of Goa is known as the 'Warrior Dance'?Indian Dance Forms
  5. Q5.Manipuri dance is based on the Rasleela themes of:Indian Dance Forms

Buddhism & Jainism — Preparation

This question tests your understanding of Buddhism & Jainism, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.

Buddhism and Jainism arose in the 6th century BCE as reform movements. This topic covers the lives and teachings of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, the Jain tirthankaras, the Buddhist councils, the sects of both religions, their sacred texts and the places linked to them. Common questions cover the four great events of the Buddha's life and their places (birth at Lumbini, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, first sermon at Sarnath, death at Kushinagar), the four Buddhist councils with their kings and venues, and the Jain sects Digambara and Shvetambara. Learning the councils as a table of place, king and president is the fastest way to revise. Practise the Buddhism and Jainism questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.

‹ All Buddhism & Jainism questionsBrowse all topics ›