UPSC CSE Prelims 2013
All three statements are applicable to Jain doctrine.
Statement 1: In Jainism, penance (tapas) is considered a primary and effective method for the annihilation of accumulated karma. This practice involves various forms of austerity, self-discipline, fasting, and meditation, aimed at purifying the soul and preventing the influx of new karma (samvara) while shedding existing karma (nirjara).
Statement 2: Jain philosophy asserts that all entities in the universe, from animate beings to inanimate objects like water, air, fire, earth, and even the smallest particles, possess a soul (jiva). This universal presence of souls forms the fundamental basis for the strict observance of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all forms of life.
Statement 3: According to Jain doctrine, karma is a subtle, material substance that adheres to the soul as a result of actions, thoughts, and words. This karmic accumulation is considered the cause of the soul's bondage to the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and obscures its inherent pure qualities. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to eradicate all karma to achieve liberation (moksha) and attain the soul's true, unblemished state.
Options (1), (2), and (3) are incorrect because they exclude one or more statements that are integral to Jain doctrine. All three statements accurately reflect core tenets of Jainism regarding the nature of the soul, the role of karma, and the path to liberation through penance and austerity.