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Consider the following statements with reference to Jainism: 1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana outside the town of Jrimbhikagrama, on the banks of river Rijupalika and in the field of a householder named Samaga. 2. The state when the Karma particles actually begin to flow towards the Jiva to bind it is known as Asrava. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct. According to Jaina tradition, Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana (omniscience) after twelve years of rigorous penance. This event occurred outside the town of Jrimbhikagrama, on the banks of the river Rijupalika, in the field of a householder named Samaga. Statement 2 is also correct. Jain philosophy describes the mechanism of karma through several stages. Asrava refers to the influx of karmic matter, where karma particles begin to flow towards the Jiva (soul). This process is triggered by the coming together of jiva and ajiva (matter), leading to the cycle of birth and rebirth [1]. Subsequent stages include Bandha (bondage), where the particles stick to the soul, and Samvara, which is the stoppage of this influx. Therefore, both statements accurately reflect Jaina historical accounts and philosophical tenets.
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Tenets of Jainism > p. 40