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Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings

Question
CBSEENHS12027888

Describe three main philosophical principles stressed by Buddhism.

Solution
Followings are the main the philosophical principles stressed by Buddhism:

(i) Buddha taught that the world is full of sufferings and this is due to the desire for worldly things. A man should free himself from desires by following the eight fold path, eight kinds of action and thoughts which would lead to virtuous living and which he described as leading a balanced life without wanting too much of anything.

(ii) The Buddha also emphasized the importance of Ahimsa or non-violence. He forbade the killing of animals as the part of the religious sacrifices.This unnecessary killing of animals was seen as an inhuman activity. The breeding of animals was important to agriculture in those days and there was little point in killing animals without reason.This concern for animal life also influenced the growth of vegetarianism in food habits.

(iii) The purpose of leading a good life was to purify the mind and attain nirvana when there would be no more rebirth.

Some More Questions From Thinkers, Beliefs And Buildings Chapter

Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer.

Summarise the central teachings of Jainism.

Discuss the role of the begums of Bhopal in preserving the stupa at Sanchi.

Or

“The Begums of Bhopal played a significant role in preserving the remains of stupa at Sanchi.” Support this statement with suitable evidence.

Read this short inscription and answer the questions that follow:

In the year 33 of the maharaja Huvishka (a Kushana ruler), in the first month of the hot season on the eighth day, a Bodhisatta was set up at Madhuvanaka by the bhikkhuni Dhanavati, the sister’s daughter of the bhikkhuni Buddhamita, who knows the Tipitaka, the female pupil of the bhikkhu Bala, who knows the Tipitaka, together with her father and mother.

A. How did Dhanavati date her inscription?

B. Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta?

C. Who were the relatives she mentioned?

D. What Buddhist text did she know?

E From whom did she learn this text?

Why do you think women and men joined the Sangha?

To what extent does knowledge of Buddhist literature help in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi?

Figures I and II. are two scenes from Sanchi. Describe what you see in each of them, focusing on the architecture, plants and animals, and the activities. Identify which one shows a rural scene and which an urban scene, giving reasons for your answer.

Fig.: I

Fig. : II




Discuss the development in sculpture and architecture associated with the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

Discuss how and why stupas were built.

 

On an outline world map, mark the areas to which Buddhism spread. Trace the land and sea routes from the subcontinent to these areas.