"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?

• (a) Buddhism: Buddhism accepts sentient life and rebirth, but it does not hold that rocks or running water possess souls. Incorrect.
• (b) Jainism: Jainism teaches that jiva (soul) exists widely in nature; even earth, water, fire, air and plants are treated as living categories in Jain thought. Correct.
• (c) Shaivism: Shaivism centers on Shiva and metaphysical doctrines of soul and liberation, but not this specific belief about rocks and water having souls. Incorrect.
• (d) Vaishnavism: Vaishnavism focuses on Vishnu and bhakti traditions; it does not espouse this doctrine in the Jain sense. Incorrect.

Answer: The statement reflects the Jain belief in the presence of soul in many natural entities, so the correct option is (b) Jainism.