"Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural. objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? 

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key PointsJainism : Baisc Tenets

• Belief in Universal Souls:
  • In Jainism, it is believed that souls (jivas) exist not just in animals and plants but also in inanimate objects like rocks, water, and natural formations.
• Concept of Jiva:
  • The term "Jiva" in Jainism refers to any living being or entity containing a soul, regardless of its physical form.
• Anekantavada (Multiplicity of Views):
  • Jainism adheres to the principle of anekantavada, which emphasizes that multiple perspectives should be respected, including the existence of life forms in inanimate objects.
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa):
  • This belief in souls in all forms leads to Jainism's strong emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), extending care and compassion to all entities.
• Other Religions:
  • Buddhism: Recognizes consciousness but does not attribute souls to inanimate objects.
  • Shaivism and Vaishnavism: Focus on the worship of deities and do not extend the concept of souls to inanimate nature in the way Jainism does.

Thus, the idea of souls in natural objects is a core belief of Jainism.
Hence, Option 2: Jainism is the correct answer.