RAS question
The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) is associated with:
Correct answer: (D) Buddhism.
The Eightfold Path, also called Ashtangika Marga, is a core teaching of Gautama Buddha and is associated with Buddhism.
Explanation
The Eightfold Path belongs to Buddhism. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) social science lesson presents the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, also called Ashtangika Marga, among Gautama Buddha's teachings. Its eight components are Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. The Four Noble Truths explain suffering, and the Eightfold Path provides the practical discipline for overcoming it. Therefore, Buddhism is the only option that directly matches the term in the question.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Hinduism includes several philosophical paths, but Ashtangika Marga is specifically one of Gautama Buddha's teachings and is not a Hindu path.
- (B) Jainism is associated with the Triratna, or Three Jewels, whereas the Eightfold Path is a teaching of Buddhism.
- (C) Sikhism follows the teachings associated with the Guru Granth Sahib, whereas the Eightfold Path belongs to Buddhism and the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Concept
This question tests the Ancient India syllabus area of sixth-century BC religious movements, especially Buddhism and Jainism. RAS often tests this concept because terms such as the Four Noble Truths, Ashtangika Marga and Triratna can be confused in one-line factual MCQs.