Political Science · Indian Political Thought
UGC NET 2023 Political Science
Passage
Buddha saw politics not as an end in itself but as an instrument that could either provide favourable conditions or create harmful obstructions for an individual's personal advancement. He recognised that government is necessary to provide social order and welfare and that its values, content and processes should be consistent with the 'Dharma'. Here Dharma refers to the teachings of Buddha and their realisation, which are offered as universal or natural laws. These laws are not created by Buddha; they operate with or without him, but Buddha revealed these laws and recommended that we examine them and act accordingly, not through blind faith but through a process of rational human assessment. A fundamental principle of Dharma relevant to politics is the equality and dignity of all individuals. Buddha stressed that all human beings have an inherent worth and capacity for enlightenment, called 'Buddha nature'. In contrast to the prevailing ritualism, Buddha rejected the caste system and argued that virtues were distributed equally, not hierarchically, across society. Buddha's teachings also reflect the principle of equality when he prescribes that monarchy, during his lifetime, should be based on popular consent (not divine right), conducted in consultation with the governed, and even-handed in the application of its rules for admission, participation, administration and dispute resolution.
As per the passage, which of the following are correct? Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
- 1. In the Buddhist perspective, natural things and natural laws are not created by God or any other supernatural power
- 2. Buddha recognised that the legitimacy of government is based on the Dharma, founded on the conduct of the ruler and the ruled
- 3. Buddhists argued that virtues were distributed equally, not hierarchically
- 4. Buddha's own creation, the Sangha, was governed by God
A1, 2 & 3 only ✓ Correct
B2, 3 & 4 only
C1, 3 & 4 only
D1, 2 & 4 only
Correct answer: (A) 1, 2 & 3 only — Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct, so the answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
★Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct, so the answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.
★Statement 1 is correct: in Buddhism, natural things and laws are not created by any god or supernatural power.
★Statement 2 is correct: legitimacy of government rests on the Dharma, grounded in the conduct of both ruler and ruled.
★Statement 3 is correct: virtues are distributed equally across society, not by hierarchy.
★Statement 4 is false: the Sangha was governed by the Buddha's teachings and community rules, not by any god.
★The passage presents the Dharma as natural law that operates with or without the Buddha.
★Government and the monastic order alike rest on conduct and consent, not divine authority.
★The Agganna Sutta presents the rise of the state as a historical process rather than a divine creation.
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