SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Religions and Philosophies of India
Reference: NCERT Class 9-12, Lucent GK
1. Major Religions Originating in India
India is the birthplace of four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. All emphasize spiritual growth and ethical conduct, though their beliefs and practices vary.
| Religion | Founder / Origin Period | Key Teachings | Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | No single founder (∼1500 BCE) | Dharma (duty), Karma (action), Moksha (liberation), Rebirth | Om (ॐ), Swastika, Lotus |
| Buddhism | Gautama Buddha (6th century BCE) | Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana | Dharma Chakra (Wheel), Lotus |
| Jainism | Mahavira (24th Tirthankara, 6th century BCE) | Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-attachment), truth | Hand with wheel, Swastika |
| Sikhism | Guru Nanak (15th century CE) | One God (Ik Onkar), Equality, Seva (service), Guru Granth Sahib | Khanda (double-edged sword) |
Note: All these religions oppose animal sacrifice and stress compassion, especially Buddhism and Jainism.
2. Basic Teachings and Doctrines
Here's a breakdown of the core ethical and philosophical values of each religion:
| Religion | Core Concepts |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva); Vedas & Upanishads; Samsara cycle |
| Buddhism | Middle Path; reject ritualism and caste; meditation is key |
| Jainism | Five vows (non-violence, truth, celibacy, non-stealing, non-possession) |
| Sikhism | Naam Japna (meditation), Kirat Karni (honest living), Vand Chakna (sharing with others) |
3. Philosophical Schools of India
Indian philosophy is one of the world's oldest and richest traditions. The schools are broadly divided into:
- Orthodox (Āstika): Accept Vedas (e.g., Vedanta, Yoga)
- Heterodox (Nāstika): Reject Vedas (e.g., Buddhism, Jainism)
Orthodox Schools (Shad Darshanas – Six Systems)
| School | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Vedanta | Based on Upanishads; idea of Brahman (universal soul) and Atman |
| Sankhya | Dualism of Purusha (consciousness) & Prakriti (matter); no God concept |
| Nyaya | Logic and epistemology; emphasizes pramana (means of knowledge) |
| Vaisheshika | Atomistic theory of matter; seven categories (padarthas) |
| Mimamsa | Ritualism; correct performance of Vedic rituals leads to salvation |
| Yoga | Systemized by Patanjali; Eight Limbs (Ashtanga Yoga) for self-discipline |
Note: Yoga is both a philosophy and a physical/spiritual discipline (Asanas, Pranayama, etc.).
Buddhist Philosophy
| Doctrine | Description |
|---|---|
| Four Noble Truths |
1. Life is suffering (Dukkha) 2. Cause is desire (Tanha) 3. Cessation is possible (Nirodha) 4. Follow Eightfold Path (Magga) |
| Eightfold Path | Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration |
| Other Ideas | Anatta (no soul), Anicca (impermanence), Karma, Rebirth, Nirvana |
Note: Buddhism rejects the authority of the Vedas and the concept of an eternal soul.
Jain Philosophy
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) |
1. Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) 2. Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) 3. Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) |
| Key Beliefs | Ahimsa (non-violence), Syadvada (relative truth), Karma, multiple viewpoints (Anekantavada) |
| Liberation | Achieved through self-discipline, non-attachment, and asceticism |
Note: Jainism emphasizes extreme asceticism and non-violence—even towards microorganisms.
Quick Exam Highlights
- • Vedanta includes sub-schools: Advaita (non-dualism by Adi Shankaracharya), Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja), Dvaita (Madhvacharya).
- • Sankhya doesn't accept God but influences Yoga.
- • Buddhist symbol: Dharma Chakra with 8 spokes = Eightfold Path.
- • Jain symbol: Hand with "Ahimsa" inside a wheel = halt the cycle of violence.
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