“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?
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Shaivism
- Vaishnavism
Explanation
Option (b) is correct
- The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of Jainism. Jaina metaphysics is both realistic and pluralistic (Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that explores the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the universe). As per Jain doctrine, the universe functions through the interaction of living souls and the five categories of non-living entities: ether (akasa), the means or condition of movement (dharma), the means or condition of rest (adharma), time (kala), and matter (pudgala). Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of entities such as stones, rocks, running water, and many other natural objects not looked upon as living by other sects.
