Emergence Of Heterodox Sects in State System : Practice MCQ Questions & Answers with Explanations

In Buddhist philosophy, Tanha (craving or desire) is identified as the root cause of suffering (Dukkha) per the Four Noble Truths, and the Middle Way — also known as the Noble Eightfold Path — is the prescribed path to alleviate it by avoiding the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Karma relates to moral causation across lives; Ahimsa and renunciation are more central to Jainism and Hinduism; and Moksha with bhakti are Hindu concepts.

Dharmachakra Pravartana (turning of the wheel of dharma) took place at Sarnath, which is not listed among the options — making 'None of the above' correct. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya at age 35, Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath; Lumbini is his birthplace and Kushinagar is where he died in 483 BC.

The Kalpa Sutra, one of Jainism's most important texts read during the Paryushan festival, explicitly mentions that Parsvanath — the 23rd Tirthankara — belonged to the Kshatriya caste, born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama in Varanasi. The Adi Purana focuses on Rishabhdev's life, and the Tattvarth Sutra by Umaswati is a philosophical text explaining Jain doctrines — neither mentions Parsvanath's caste.

Sarnath is important for Buddhists because Buddha preached his first sermon there, an event called Dhammachakkapavattan (turning of the wheel of law). Buddha left home at 29, attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya at 35 after seven years of wandering, then delivered his first teaching at Sarnath; he died in 483 BC at Kushinagar.

Sarnath is marked as the place where the Buddha preached his first message, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in 528 BC, Buddha came to Sarnath five weeks later, where he met his five companions (Pancavaggiya monks), taught them the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, and founded the first Buddha Sangha.