Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 359

Hinduism is to Buddhism, as Moksha is to ..... Hint: The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to achieve this.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the ultimate state sought in Buddhism.

Correct Answer: C) Nirvana

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

In the context of Indian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, the ultimate goal of each religion is a central concept that defines the purpose of spiritual practice and the path to liberation. In Hinduism, the ultimate goal is Moksha, which is the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Moksha is achieved through various paths, including devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and action (karma).

Similarly, in Buddhism, the ultimate goal is Nirvana, which is the state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Nirvana is achieved through the understanding and practice of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are the core teachings of Buddhism, which identify the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to its cessation. The Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines for ethical and mental development that leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.

While the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are essential components of the Buddhist path, they are not the ultimate goal themselves. The Four Noble Truths provide the framework for understanding the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation, while the Eightfold Path is the practical application of this understanding. Nirvana, on the other hand, is the state of liberation that is achieved through the practice of these teachings.

Enlightenment, which is also a concept in Buddhism, refers to the state of understanding and wisdom that arises from the practice of the Eightfold Path. However, enlightenment is not the ultimate goal; it is a state that contributes to the attainment of Nirvana. Therefore, the correct answer to the analogy "Hinduism is to Buddhism, as Moksha is to..." is Nirvana, as it represents the ultimate goal in Buddhism, just as Moksha represents the ultimate goal in Hinduism.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Enlightenment is a concept in Buddhism, but it is not the ultimate goal. Enlightenment is a state of understanding and wisdom, but the ultimate goal is Nirvana, which is the state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
  • Option B: The Four Noble Truths are foundational teachings in Buddhism that explain the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation. However, they are not the ultimate goal; they are part of the path leading to Nirvana.
  • Option C: Nirvana is the correct answer. It is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. This is analogous to Moksha in Hinduism, which is the liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • Option D: The Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines for ethical and mental development in Buddhism. It is a path to achieve Nirvana, but it is not the ultimate goal itself.
Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 359 – Practice all questions