The Concept of Ahimsa in Indian Philosophy

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the concept of Ahimsa in Indian Philosophy. Ahimsa, meaning non-violence, is a central tenet in many Indian philosophical and religious traditions. The quiz covers various aspects of Ahimsa, including its historical and philosophical roots, its significance in different schools of thought, and its practical implications for ethical conduct and social harmony.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian philosophy ahimsa non-violence ethics jainism buddhism hinduism
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which ancient Indian text is considered the primary source for the concept of Ahimsa?

  1. The Vedas

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Bhagavad Gita

  4. The Tirukkural


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Upanishads, a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts, contain some of the earliest references to the concept of Ahimsa. They emphasize the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of non-violence as a moral principle.

In Jainism, which principle is considered the highest form of Ahimsa?

  1. Anekantavada

  2. Aparigraha

  3. Satya

  4. Ahimsa


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Jainism, Ahimsa is considered the highest form of ethical conduct. It is believed that all living beings possess a soul, and causing harm to any living being is considered a grave sin.

According to the Bhagavad Gita, what is the ultimate goal of a yogi?

  1. Moksha

  2. Nirvana

  3. Samadhi

  4. Bhakti


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Bhagavad Gita, the ultimate goal of a yogi is to achieve Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Ahimsa is considered an essential practice for attaining Moksha, as it cultivates compassion and non-attachment.

Which Buddhist teaching emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of compassion?

  1. The Four Noble Truths

  2. The Noble Eightfold Path

  3. The Three Jewels

  4. The Five Precepts


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Noble Eightfold Path, a central teaching in Buddhism, includes the practice of Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood, all of which emphasize the importance of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.

In the context of Indian philosophy, what is the significance of the concept of 'ahimsa paramo dharma'?

  1. Non-violence is the highest duty.

  2. Violence is sometimes necessary for self-defense.

  3. Violence is justified in certain circumstances.

  4. Non-violence is only a personal virtue.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concept of 'ahimsa paramo dharma' emphasizes the ethical imperative of non-violence as the highest duty or virtue in Indian philosophy. It reflects the belief that causing harm to any living being is morally wrong and that non-violence is essential for ethical conduct and social harmony.

Which ancient Indian philosopher is known for his emphasis on the principle of non-injury (ahimsa) and the interconnectedness of all living beings?

  1. Mahavira

  2. Gautama Buddha

  3. Patanjali

  4. Adi Shankara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, is renowned for his emphasis on the principle of non-injury (ahimsa) and the interconnectedness of all living beings. He taught that all living beings possess a soul and that causing harm to any living being is a grave sin.

In the Bhagavad Gita, what does Krishna advise Arjuna to do when faced with the moral dilemma of fighting in a war?

  1. Follow his duty as a warrior and fight.

  2. Renounce violence and embrace non-violence.

  3. Seek divine intervention to resolve the conflict.

  4. Withdraw from the battlefield and avoid the war.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to fulfill his duty as a warrior and fight in the war, even though it involves violence. He explains that sometimes violence is necessary to uphold righteousness and protect the innocent.

Which Buddhist teaching emphasizes the cultivation of loving-kindness and compassion towards all beings?

  1. The Four Noble Truths

  2. The Noble Eightfold Path

  3. The Three Jewels

  4. Metta Bhavana


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Metta Bhavana, also known as loving-kindness meditation, is a Buddhist practice that cultivates unconditional love, kindness, and compassion towards all beings, regardless of their differences or actions.

In the context of Indian philosophy, what is the significance of the concept of 'ahimsa paramo dharma'?

  1. Non-violence is the highest duty.

  2. Violence is sometimes necessary for self-defense.

  3. Violence is justified in certain circumstances.

  4. Non-violence is only a personal virtue.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concept of 'ahimsa paramo dharma' emphasizes the ethical imperative of non-violence as the highest duty or virtue in Indian philosophy. It reflects the belief that causing harm to any living being is morally wrong and that non-violence is essential for ethical conduct and social harmony.

Which ancient Indian philosopher is known for his emphasis on the principle of non-injury (ahimsa) and the interconnectedness of all living beings?

  1. Mahavira

  2. Gautama Buddha

  3. Patanjali

  4. Adi Shankara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, is renowned for his emphasis on the principle of non-injury (ahimsa) and the interconnectedness of all living beings. He taught that all living beings possess a soul and that causing harm to any living being is a grave sin.

In the Bhagavad Gita, what does Krishna advise Arjuna to do when faced with the moral dilemma of fighting in a war?

  1. Follow his duty as a warrior and fight.

  2. Renounce violence and embrace non-violence.

  3. Seek divine intervention to resolve the conflict.

  4. Withdraw from the battlefield and avoid the war.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to fulfill his duty as a warrior and fight in the war, even though it involves violence. He explains that sometimes violence is necessary to uphold righteousness and protect the innocent.

Which Buddhist teaching emphasizes the cultivation of loving-kindness and compassion towards all beings?

  1. The Four Noble Truths

  2. The Noble Eightfold Path

  3. The Three Jewels

  4. Metta Bhavana


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Metta Bhavana, also known as loving-kindness meditation, is a Buddhist practice that cultivates unconditional love, kindness, and compassion towards all beings, regardless of their differences or actions.

In the context of Indian philosophy, what is the significance of the concept of 'ahimsa paramo dharma'?

  1. Non-violence is the highest duty.

  2. Violence is sometimes necessary for self-defense.

  3. Violence is justified in certain circumstances.

  4. Non-violence is only a personal virtue.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concept of 'ahimsa paramo dharma' emphasizes the ethical imperative of non-violence as the highest duty or virtue in Indian philosophy. It reflects the belief that causing harm to any living being is morally wrong and that non-violence is essential for ethical conduct and social harmony.

Which ancient Indian philosopher is known for his emphasis on the principle of non-injury (ahimsa) and the interconnectedness of all living beings?

  1. Mahavira

  2. Gautama Buddha

  3. Patanjali

  4. Adi Shankara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, is renowned for his emphasis on the principle of non-injury (ahimsa) and the interconnectedness of all living beings. He taught that all living beings possess a soul and that causing harm to any living being is a grave sin.

In the Bhagavad Gita, what does Krishna advise Arjuna to do when faced with the moral dilemma of fighting in a war?

  1. Follow his duty as a warrior and fight.

  2. Renounce violence and embrace non-violence.

  3. Seek divine intervention to resolve the conflict.

  4. Withdraw from the battlefield and avoid the war.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to fulfill his duty as a warrior and fight in the war, even though it involves violence. He explains that sometimes violence is necessary to uphold righteousness and protect the innocent.

- Hide questions