Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Avidya.
Exam Relevance: MPhil Philosophy, PhD Philosophy, Indian Philosophy Exams
Difficulty: Moderate
Concept notes: According to Samkara, the cause of the Jiva's bondage in the world is Avidya, which means ignorance or lack of knowledge.
Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Avidya with Vidya, thinking that knowledge is the cause of bondage, when in fact it is ignorance.
Explanations: In Samkara's philosophy, Avidya is the root cause of the Jiva's bondage. It is the ignorance of the true nature of reality, leading to the mistaken identification of the self with the body and the world. This ignorance results in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara.
Option Analysis: - Option A: Vidya refers to knowledge, which is not the cause of bondage but rather the means to liberation.
- Option B: Avidya is the correct answer as it represents ignorance, which is the cause of the Jiva's bondage.
- Option C: Adhyasa refers to superimposition, which is a consequence of Avidya but not the primary cause of bondage.
- Option D: This option is incorrect as Avidya is the correct cause of bondage.
Mnemonic: Avidya: A for Avidya, A for Adharma (ignorance of dharma).