Question
“Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
Correct Answer — B
Explanation
The correct option is B (Jainism).
- Core Concept: Jain philosophy believes that consciousness (jīva / soul) exists throughout the entire universe, not just in humans and animals.
- Souls in Nature: Natural elements are classified as single-sensed living beings (Ekendriya):
- Earth-bodied: Rocks, stones, minerals, and soil.
- Water-bodied: Rivers, running water, and rain.
- Air-bodied: Wind and gales.
- Fire-bodied: Flames and lightning.
- Plant-bodied: Trees, flora, and vegetation.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Because Jainism treats nature as living beings with souls, it follows extreme non-violence. Followers take great care not to harm any element of nature—leading to practices like filtering water before drinking, walking carefully to avoid stepping on tiny beings, and wearing cloth mouth-covers to avoid inhaling micro-organisms.