Protocols in Jain Dharma

29 Grade 8 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Protocols in Jain Dharma, with worked marking schemes. 29 questions are available on this topic in full.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    Some Jain monks wear a soft cloth over the mouth and gently sweep the ground before them mainly to:

    A. Keep warm in cold weather

    B. Show they are wealthy

    C. Frighten away birds

    D. Avoid accidentally harming tiny living creatures

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    The Jain festival that marks a period of forgiveness, fasting and spiritual reflection is:

    A. Holi

    B. Diwali

    C. Paryushana

    D. Navratri

    (1 mark)

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  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    A Jain monk owns only a few simple items, accepts just enough food for one meal, and deliberately keeps no money or surplus possessions so as not to become attached to worldly things. This conduct upholds the Jain vow of:

    A. Aparigraha (non-possession)

    B. Bhakti

    C. Karma Yoga

    D. Moksha

    (1 mark)

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    A Jain businessman in Nairobi chooses not to deal in the leather or meat trade. This decision is guided mainly by the protocol of:

    A. Satya

    B. Aparigraha

    C. Ahimsa

    D. Asteya

    (1 mark)

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  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    The Jain vow of Brahmacharya requires the follower to observe:

    A. Chastity / control of the senses

    B. Non-stealing only

    C. Truthfulness only

    D. Non-possession only

    (1 mark)

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  6. Question 6

    4 marks

    Explain why Ahimsa (non-violence) is regarded as the most important protocol in Jain Dharma.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any four points: it is the foundation of all other vows; Jains believe every living being has a soul and deserves respect; it prevents accumulation of bad karma; it guides diet (vegetarianism), occupation and daily conduct; it leads to purification of the soul and progress toward liberation. Up to 4 marks.

  7. Question 7

    1 mark

    Because of their strict practice of Ahimsa, many devout Jains follow a diet that is:

    A. Only raw meat

    B. Rich in beef and fish

    C. Strictly vegetarian, avoiding harm to animals

    D. Based mainly on eggs

    (1 mark)

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  8. Question 8

    1 mark

    The central and most important vow in Jain Dharma, which forbids harming any living being, is:

    A. Satya

    B. Aparigraha

    C. Asteya

    D. Ahimsa

    (1 mark)

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  9. Question 9

    4 marks

    A Jain community in Kenya practises their faith while living among people of other religions. Describe four ways in which their protocols shape their daily lifestyle.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any four: they follow a strict vegetarian diet to avoid harming animals; they engage in honest business/trade (satya, asteya); they avoid occupations that harm living things; they practise charity and care for the needy; they limit possessions (aparigraha); they eat before dark; they show respect and non-violence to all people and creatures. 1 mark each, max 4.

  10. Question 10

    4 marks

    Explain the meaning of Aparigraha and give two ways a young Jain can practise it today.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Aparigraha = non-attachment / non-possessiveness; limiting one's desire for material wealth and possessions (2 marks). Two ways: sharing with those in need/charity; not being greedy for gadgets, money or property; being content with what one has; giving away excess belongings (1 mark each, max 2). Total 4.

  11. Question 11

    3 marks

    Give three protocols that Jain monks and nuns observe as part of their strict practice of Ahimsa.

    (3 marks)

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  12. Question 12

    1 mark

    The twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara, regarded as a great teacher of Jain Dharma, is:

    A. Gautama

    B. Mahavira

    C. Parshvanatha

    D. Rishabhanatha

    (1 mark)

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  13. Question 13

    1 mark

    The three guiding principles of Jain Dharma, often called the 'Three Jewels', are Right Faith, Right Knowledge and:

    A. Right Worship

    B. Right Pleasure

    C. Right Wealth

    D. Right Conduct

    (1 mark)

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  14. Question 14

    1 mark

    During the Jain observance of Paryushana, followers commonly conclude by:

    A. Fighting rival groups

    B. Lighting fireworks all night

    C. Asking for and granting forgiveness for wrongs done

    D. Feasting on meat

    (1 mark)

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  15. Question 15

    6 marks

    A Jain pupil explains to her classmates that her family practises strict non-violence, and that during the festival of Paryushana her elders fast and ask forgiveness from everyone they may have wronged.

    (a) State the meaning of 'Micchami Dukkadam' as used by Jains. (2 marks)

    (b) Explain TWO ways in which a Jain practises Ahimsa in everyday life. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) 'Micchami Dukkadam' literally means 'may all my wrong/evil deeds be in vain (fruitless)', and is used to sincerely seek forgiveness for any harm one may have caused, knowingly or unknowingly. It is spoken at the close of Paryushana/Samvatsari (Forgiveness Day). (2 marks) (Accept: 'I ask forgiveness for any harm I have caused / may my faults be forgiven'.) (b) Any TWO (2 marks each): - Following a strict vegetarian diet and avoiding harm to animals/insects. - Filtering drinking water and avoiding eating after dark to prevent harming tiny living beings. - Practising non-violence in speech and thought (not insulting or hurting others). - Some Jains sweep the ground or cover the mouth to avoid harming small creatures. (4 marks)

  16. Question 16

    1 mark

    A Jain monk sweeps the ground gently with a small broom (rajoharan) before sitting and strains his drinking water. Which fundamental Jain principle guides these careful protocols?

    A. Aparigraha (non-possession)

    B. Ahimsa (non-violence)

    C. Satya (truthfulness)

    D. Asteya (non-stealing)

    (1 mark)

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  17. Question 17

    3 marks

    State three lessons that a Grade 8 learner can borrow from the protocols of Jain Dharma to improve their own life.

    (3 marks)

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  18. Question 18

    5 marks

    (a) Name the 'Three Jewels' (Ratnatraya) of Jain Dharma.

    (b) Explain briefly how they lead a follower toward liberation.

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Right Faith (Samyak Darshana); Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana); Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) - 1 mark each = 3 marks. (b) Together they purify the soul by developing correct belief, true understanding of reality, and ethical living, which removes karma and leads the soul to liberation/moksha - 2 marks. Total 5.

  19. Question 19

    6 marks

    In a Jain temple (Derasar), worshippers are seen sweeping the floor gently before walking and wearing a cloth over the mouth. A learner wonders why.

    (a) Explain why some Jains cover their mouth with a cloth (muhpatti) and gently sweep the ground (with a rajoharan) before walking or sitting. (4 marks)

    (b) State ONE protocol observed by a worshipper before performing puja in a Jain Derasar. (2 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) These practices arise from the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) taken to its highest degree: gently sweeping the ground with a rajoharan moves aside tiny living organisms so they are not crushed when walking or sitting, and covering the mouth with the muhpatti reduces the chance of inhaling and harming tiny airborne life forms (and serves as a reminder to avoid unnecessary speech). The aim is to avoid harming even the smallest living beings. (4 marks) (b) Any ONE of: bathe and wear clean (often white/unstitched) clothes; remove shoes and all leather items; maintain silence and purity of mind; observe cleanliness of body before puja. (2 marks)

  20. Question 20

    1 mark

    Many devout Jains avoid eating after sunset and take their last meal before dark. What is the main reason given for this protocol?

    A. Food is more expensive after dark

    B. To avoid harming tiny insects attracted to light and to aid digestion

    C. Cooking is forbidden in the daytime

    D. It is a rule only for children

    (1 mark)

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  21. Question 21

    4 marks

    Explain how the practice of Satya and Asteya by Jains contributes to honesty in Kenyan society.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Satya (truthfulness) means Jains speak the truth and avoid deceit, which builds trust in relationships and business (2 marks). Asteya (non-stealing) means they do not take what is not theirs, promoting fair trade, respect for others' property and reducing corruption/theft in society (2 marks). Total 4.

  22. Question 22

    1 mark

    A Jain trader in Mombasa refuses to weigh goods dishonestly or cheat customers. Which of the five great vows (Mahavratas) is he keeping?

    A. Ahimsa (non-violence)

    B. Satya (truthfulness)

    C. Aparigraha (non-attachment)

    D. Brahmacharya (chastity)

    (1 mark)

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  23. Question 23

    5 marks

    State the five great vows (Mahavratas / Anuvratas) observed in Jain Dharma.

    (5 marks)

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  24. Question 24

    1 mark

    A Jain student decides to eat before sunset and avoids eating at night. This protocol is mainly observed to:

    A. Fast for weight loss

    B. Save electricity

    C. Follow school timetable

    D. Avoid harming tiny insects attracted to food in the dark

    (1 mark)

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  25. Question 25

    1 mark

    A Jain pupil explains that monks in his tradition often sweep the ground gently before sitting and strain their drinking water, all to avoid harming tiny living beings. This careful conduct upholds the supreme Jain vow of:

    A. Aparigraha

    B. Satya

    C. Ahimsa

    D. Brahmacharya

    (1 mark)

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  26. Question 26

    1 mark

    Many Jains avoid eating root vegetables such as potatoes and onions mainly because:

    A. They are forbidden by the government

    B. They cause illness

    C. They are too expensive

    D. Harvesting them uproots and kills the whole plant and organisms in the soil

    (1 mark)

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  27. Question 27

    1 mark

    Which Jain vow emphasises non-possessiveness and limiting one's attachment to material things?

    A. Aparigraha

    B. Ahimsa

    C. Satya

    D. Asteya

    (1 mark)

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  28. Question 28

    1 mark

    In Jain Dharma, the enlightened teachers who have crossed the ocean of rebirth and show others the way are known as:

    A. Sanskaars

    B. Gurus

    C. Sadhus only

    D. Tirthankaras

    (1 mark)

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  29. Question 29

    1 mark

    The Jain vow of Asteya requires a follower to:

    A. Practise non-violence

    B. Renounce all possessions

    C. Speak only the truth

    D. Not take what has not been given (non-stealing)

    (1 mark)

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