The path to non-violence. Jainism The path to non-violence.

What is Jainism? An Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. It’s philosophy and practice that emphasizes the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation.

Jina Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies, and has achieved the state of supreme. The ultimate status of a perfect soul is called siddha. Ancient texts refer to Jainism as “self-reliant” or, “sharamana dharma”, or even the “path of niganthas”.

Main Principles Spiritual development through cultivation of one’s own personal wisdom and reliance on self control through vows, or Sanskrit. There are three things one must have to attain liberation from the “cycles of birth and death”. -Right vision or view, right knowledge, and right conduct. These are known as the Triple Gems of Jainism.

Jains do not believe in a creator deity that could be responsible for the manifestation, creation, or maintenance of this universe. The universe is self regulated by the laws of nature. Life exists in various forms in different parts of the universe, including earth. All living things have soul and must be interacted with, without causing much harm.

Ahimsa- to cause “no harm” to living beings. Satya:-to always speak of truth such that no harm is caused to others. Asteya- not to take into possession, anything not willingly offered to ones self. Brahmacharya- to exercise control over senses from indulgence Aparigraha- To observe detachment from people, places, and material things.

Worship and Rituals Everyday most Jains bow and say their universal prayer, the Navakar Mantra. Before prayer they clean their bodies. A clean body prepares and assists the mind to be in spiritual mode. Clothes are always simple, clean, and washed. Most clothing must be white while performing prayer. Men usually wear non-stitched clothes.

The purpose of Jain worship or prayer is to break the barriers of the worldly attachments and desires, as to assist in the liberation of the soul. The prayer is often lead by monks, or upper men in society.

History The earliest Jain leader, Parshvanatha, is the twenty-third to Tirthanker, the teacher of Jainism. Jains say that there isn’t a single founder in Jainism, and that it has always existed and will always exist.

Statistics There are 5,200,000 Jains in the 1.028 billion population of India. They are said to be found in 34 out of 35 states and union territories.

Denominations Jain religion is divided into two sects. The Digambara and Svetambara. The difference in belief between the two different sects are obscure…. Digambara monks do not wear clothes, clothes are, like other poseessions, an item that increases dependency and desire for material goods. A desire for anything ultimately leads to sorrow. However, women are called to wear white robes and rags.

Jainism and other Religions Jains are not part of the Vedic Religion One of the oldest ancient religions in Indian history along with Hinduism and Buddhism. Jainism and Buddhism both influence each other, and have for thousands of years.

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