Chapter Five Jainism

The Life of Mahavira The origins of Jainism are not precisely known, but Mahavira (or the “great hero”) has traditionally be identified as its founder In orthodox Jainism, Mahavira is only the last in a group of founders called the Tirthankaras, or “crossing builders” They are believed to have built a bridge between this life and Nirvana © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Life of Mahavira The reported details of the life of Mahavira are similar to that of Buddha Mahavira was born in the sixth century B.C.E. to parents of the Kshatriya caste The family was wealthy and lived in luxury Mahavira married and had a daughter, but he felt unhappy and sought a religious answer Mahavira joined an ascetic order but did not find what he wanted © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Life of Mahavira Mahavira came to believe that one must practice a more severe form of asceticism than what he found in the order He came to believe that one must also practice ahimsa (or non-injury to life) to find release Mahavira strained his water and swept the path in front of him to avoid harming any life that might potentially be there © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Life of Mahavira Because Mahavira did not want to become attached to people or things, he did not stay anywhere more than one night He went about naked and sought harsh, punishing climates After twelve years of harm asceticism, Mahavira achieved release (moksha) and became known to his followers as Jina, or conqueror © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Teachings of Jainism Jainism views life in terms of endless reincarnation People are bound to life because of the karma that they acquire Mahavira taught that karma builds up as a result of life activity Less activity allows one to escape karma and be freed from life © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Teachings of Jainism The philosophical worldview of Jainism is dualistic The world is comprised of two substances: Soul (jiva) Matter (ajiva) People are seen as soul encased in matter. Matter clings to the soul because of past action (karma). © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Teachings of Jainism Release from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth must be escaped by the individual The soul can be freed only be the actions of the individual, and that person cannot receive outside help Therefore, the gods are not very important in Jainism Prayer and worship are useless, since the gods cannot help people © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Teachings of Jainism Jain Monks Jain monks represent the ideal life of a Jain They take five vows to guide their lives: Non-injury of life Always speak the truth Refrain from taking anything that is not given to them Renounce sexual pleasure Renounce all attachments © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Teachings of Jainism The belief in the non-injury of life is taken very seriously Jains are vegetarians and go to great lengths to avoid any animal products (like leather) Jain monks, following Mahavira’s example, will sweep their path before they walk to avoid inadvertently injuring insects on the ground Jains strain their water to avoid harming any life inside of it © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Teachings of Jainism Generally, all Jains seek to follow the first three vows as closely as possible A Jain may marry and have possessions, but that person also understands that he is not living an ideal life and will not be released The scripture of the Jains are called the Agamas Orthodox Jains believe that these sermons are the actual teachings of Mahavira © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jain Sects In ancient times, the Jains became divided over what was the true meaning of Jainism Two sects developed: Svetambara (the “white clad”) – liberal in their interpretation of Mahavira’s teachings regarding the wearing of clothing They allow women into the religion, into monasteries, and believe that women can find release © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jain Sects Two sects: Digambara (“the sky-clad”) – more conservative, monks are nearly nude Total nudity is reserved for the most holy They believe that women have no chance of achieving release, so they are regarded as the greatest temptation to man Women are forbidden to enter temples and monasteries The Digamabaras refuse to believe that Mahavira was ever married © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jain Sects In the 1400s, a third sect arose as a splinter group from the Svetambaras The Sthanakavasi is distinguished by its opposition to temples and idols The Sthanakavasi also accept only thirty-three Agamas, whereas most Jain sects accept as many as eighty-four © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jain Festivals Jain festivals are connected with the five major events in the life of the Tirthankaras: Entering the womb Birth Renunciation Attainment of great knowledge Final release from this life Mahavira’s birthday is celebrated in early April © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jain Festivals Paijusana Comes at the end of the Jain year (usually in August or September) and is the most popular festival Jains fast and attend worship over eight days Jain laity are encouraged to live as monks for a twenty-four hour period At its conclusion, Jains perform acts of penance and seek forgiveness © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jain Festivals Divali Jains have appropriated the Hindu festival of Divali, which is celebrated in November Instead of worshiping Kali, Jains use the holiday to remember the liberation of Mahavira by the lighting of lamps In addition to holidays, Jains also fast at each full moon and make pilgrimages to various holy sites © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jainism Today Although Jainism and its focus on asceticism were very popular at one time, it is now a minority religion There are an estimated four million Jains worldwide, and there are fewer than 6,000 Jain monks Because of their belief in the sacredness of life, Jains are forbidden from entering certain occupations © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jainism Today Jains are strict vegetarians, and some Jains will not even eat in restaurants for fear of contact with meat Jains do not have gods, but they do venerate the Tirthankaras in temples and at home Worship may also include mediation and the observance of vows during worship © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jainism Today Because they believe strongly in life, Jains cannot do a number of jobs: Soldier Butcher Farmer What other occupations might Jains be restricted from? © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.