Question

This is the order of five Balas (powers).
(A). Vīrya
(B). Samādhi
(C). Śraddhā
(D). Smṛti
(E). Prajñā

• A. (D), (A), (B), (C), (E)
• B. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
• C. (C), (D), (A), (B), (E)
• D. (C), (A), (D), (B), (E)

Hint:

Five Balas = Śraddhā, Smṛti, Vīrya, Samādhi, Prajñā. Use mnemonic: “Faith–Mindfulness–Energy–Concentration–Wisdom.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The Five Powers (Pañca Bala).
In Buddhist philosophy, "Pañca Bala" refers to five powers that enable a monk to gain steadfastness on the spiritual path. These are: Śraddhā (faith), Smṛti (mindfulness), Vīrya (energy), Samādhi (concentration), and Prajñā (wisdom).
Step 2: Correct Order.
First: Śraddhā (overcoming doubt, establishing faith).
Second: Smṛti (vigilance and mindfulness).
Third: Vīrya (effort and energy).
Fourth: Samādhi (concentration).
Fifth: Prajñā (ultimate knowledge/insight).
Step 3: Analysis of Options.
Option (1): Places Smṛti first, incorrect.
Option (2): Begins with Vīrya, incorrect.
Option (3): (C), (D), (A), (B), (E) = Śraddhā, Smṛti, Vīrya, Samādhi, Prajñā—absolutely correct.
Option (4): The order is disrupted, hence incorrect.
Step 4: Mnemonic.
“S-S-V-S-P” = Śraddhā, Smṛti, Vīrya, Samādhi, Prajñā.
Step 5: Conclusion.
The correct answer to this question is option (3).