Understanding Concepts Related to Buddhism

The question asks us to identify which concepts from the given list are associated with Buddhism. To answer this, we need to examine each concept individually and determine its origin and relevance within Buddhist philosophy and practice.

Analyzing Each Concept

• (i) Anekantvada: This term translates to "non-one-sidedness" or "many-sidedness." It is a key doctrine in Jainism, emphasizing that reality is multifaceted and can be viewed from various perspectives. It is not a concept originating from or central to Buddhism.
• (ii) Vaibhashik: This is one of the principal schools of early Buddhism, specifically a sub-school of Sarvastivada. It is known for its scholastic tradition based on the commentaries (Vibhashas) of the Jñana-prasthana. As a historical school of Buddhist thought, it represents Buddhism.
• (iii) Pabajja: This term, more commonly known as Pravrajya (Sanskrit) or Pabbajja (Pali), refers to the act of leaving the household life to become a Buddhist renunciate or novice monk/nun. It is the ordination ceremony for novices in Buddhism. This is a fundamental practice within Buddhism.
• (iv) Sanskar: This term, often spelled Samskara (Sanskrit) or Sankhara (Pali), refers to volitional formations, mental imprints, or conditioned phenomena. It is a crucial concept in Buddhism, particularly as the second link in the chain of dependent origination (Pratītyasamutpadā). It represents the forces that condition future experience. This is a core Buddhist concept.
• (v) Sautantrik: Another early school of Buddhist philosophy, the Sautantrika school arose partly in response to the Vaibhashika. Sautantrikas placed greater emphasis on the authority of the Sutras (discourses attributed to the Buddha) over the Abhidharma commentaries. This is a recognised school of Buddhist thought.
• (vi) Syadvada: This concept is closely related to Anekantvada and is also a central tenet of Jainism. It is the doctrine of conditional predication, suggesting that any statement about reality is only conditionally true, depending on the perspective. Like Anekantvada, it is not a Buddhist concept.

Identifying the Buddhist Concepts

Based on the analysis above, the concepts that represent Buddhism are:

• (ii) Vaibhashik
• (iii) Pabajja (Pravrajya)
• (iv) Sanskar (Samskara)
• (v) Sautantrik

Anekantvada and Syadvada are core concepts of Jainism, not Buddhism.

Matching with the Options

We need to find the option that lists (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v).

• Option 1: (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) - Incorrect (includes (i) Anekantvada)
• Option 2: (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) - Incorrect (includes (i) Anekantvada)
• Option 3: (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) - Incorrect (includes (vi) Syadvada)
• Option 4: (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) - Correct

Therefore, the correct combination of concepts which will represent Buddhism is (ii) Vaibhashik, (iii) Pabajja, (iv) Sanskar, and (v) Sautantrik.

Revision Table: Concepts and Religions

Additional Information on Buddhist Concepts

Buddhism encompasses a wide range of concepts, practices, and schools of thought that have evolved over centuries. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending Buddhist philosophy.

• Early Buddhist Schools: After the Buddha's passing, different interpretations and geographical separations led to the formation of various schools, broadly categorized into Hinayana (often associated with the Theravada tradition, though technically distinct) and Mahayana. Vaibhashika and Sautantrika were prominent Sarvastivada sub-schools within the early traditions.
• Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpadā): This is a central teaching in Buddhism explaining the nature of suffering and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It consists of twelve links, including Sanskara (volitional formations), which lead to consciousness, name-and-form, and so on.
• The Sangha: The Buddhist monastic community (monks and nuns) plays a vital role in preserving and transmitting the teachings. Pabajja marks the entry into this community for novices, followed by Upasampada for full ordination.
• Comparison with Jainism: While Buddhism and Jainism arose in ancient India around the same time and share some terminology (like karma, samsara), their core philosophical doctrines, paths to liberation, and key concepts like Anekantvada/Syadvada (Jainism) versus Dependent Origination/Four Noble Truths (Buddhism) are distinct.