5. Various Religious Trends
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Six History and Civics.
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About the chapter
This chapter introduces the main religious trends of ancient India and the world. It covers the Vedic religion, the six schools of philosophy, Jainism and Buddhism. It also introduces Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism. All these religions teach peace, truth and compassion.
Key points
- Inclusiveness is an inherent quality of Indian culture.
- The six schools of Indian philosophy are called the Shaddarshanas.
- Vardhaman Mahavir was the twenty-fourth Tirthankar of Jainism.
- Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi.
- Jainism teaches the Triratna. Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Panchasheel.
- Holy books: Torah (Judaism), Bible (Christianity), Quran Sharif (Islam) and Avesta (Zoroastrianism).
Words to remember
- Tirthankar – one who teaches and spreads religious knowledge in Jainism
- Darshana – philosophy
- Ahimsa – non-violence
- Samyak – balanced or right
- Vipashyana – meditation by observing oneself
- Synagogue – the prayer house of the Jews
Exercise
(1) An inherent quality of Indian culture — Inclusiveness
(2) The one who teaches and spreads religious knowledge in Jainism — Tirthankar
(3) Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon near Varanasi at this place — Sarnath
(4) The principal holy text of the Jewish people — Torah
(5) The prayer house of Islam is known as — Masjid (Mosque)
| Religion | Holy Scripture | Place of Worship |
|---|---|---|
| Judaism | The Torah | Synagogue |
| Christianity | The Bible | Church |
| Islam | The Quran Sharif | Mosque |
| Zoroastrianism (Parsee) | The Avesta | Agyari |
| Philosophy (Darshana) | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Samkhya Darshan | An explanation of how the universe is originated. |
| Yoga Darshan | Gives importance to the attainment of self-realisation through the continuous practice of spiritual discipline (Sadhana) and meditation (Dhyan) for a healthy body. |
| Nyaya Darshan | Based on logic and knowledge. |
| Vaisheshika Darshan | The core principle is the theory that the entire universe is composed of atoms. |
| Purva Mimamsa Darshan | An analysis of the rituals and rites found in the Vedas. |
| Vedanta Darshan | Based on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. |
Answer in the textbook order: 2, 3, 1
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(1) The Four Noble Truths (Aryasatya)
Gautam Buddha taught four Noble Truths, called the Aryasatyas:
(1) Dukkha – there is suffering in human life. (2) The cause of Dukkha – suffering has a cause. (3) Dukkha-nivaran – suffering can be ended. (4) Pratipad – there is a way to end suffering. This way of good conduct is the Ashtangik Marg, or the Eight-fold Path.
(2) The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text of the Hindus. Its main teaching is that everyone should do his or her duty without thinking of the result. Adya Shankaracharya wrote a commentary on it in the eighth century CE.
(3) The Principles of Panchasheel
Gautam Buddha gave five rules of good conduct, called the Panchasheel. They are: do not kill animals, do not steal, do not behave unethically, do not tell lies and do not take intoxicants.
(4) The Three Jewels (Triratna)
Jainism gives three principles of good conduct, called the Triratna. Samyak Darshan (Right Faith) means faith in the truth taught by the Tirthankar. Samyak Dnyan (Right Knowledge) means regular study of the Tirthankar’s teaching. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) means following the five great vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya.
(1) What is the impact of values such as non-violence, compassion and truth found in various religions on society?
- Non-violence reduces quarrels and crime. Society becomes peaceful.
- Truth builds trust among people.
- Compassion makes people help the poor, the sick and animals.
- These values reduce discrimination and give dignity to all.
- People learn to respect the views of others.
- People of different religions live together in harmony.
(2) Explain, with examples, the similarities found in the teachings of any two different religions.
Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism:
- Non-violence: Jainism teaches Ahimsa. Buddhism teaches not to kill animals.
- Truth: Jainism teaches Satya. Buddhism teaches right speech.
- Non-stealing: Both teach that one should not steal.
- Equality: Both Mahavir and Buddha said that greatness depends on conduct, not on birth.
- Rights of women: Both gave women the right to take up religious life.
- People’s language: Mahavir preached in Ardhamagadhi and Buddha in Pali.
- The mind becomes calm. Anger and fear reduce.
- Stress reduces and health improves.
- Vipashyana helps a person understand his or her own thoughts.
- Self-control increases. So wrong acts and quarrels reduce.
- Compassion for others grows.
- Peace in individuals brings peace in society.
- Concentration in work and study improves.
The Activities — information on festivals of various religions, a group discussion on secularism, and marking religious places on a map — and the Project (a picture of your favourite festival and its link with nature) are to be done at school with your teacher’s guidance.