History of Jainism Pre-vedic –an indigenous Indian religion ancient Hindu and Buddhist sources mention the Jains

History, cont’d... Mahavira –contemporary of the Buddha (d. 526 BCE) also a prince renounced his comfortable life. Meditated for 12 years (silence, fasting…) wandering teacher for 30 years

History, cont’d... Tirthankaras –fordmakers, or better pathfinders elevated beyond the human plane of existence, not available to Jains with assistance models for good and ethically and morally correct behavior honored through images –call the tirthankara good life and example to mind

25 Tirthkaras so far –1st was Lord Rishabba provided moral and ethical codes –marriage –family law –justice –government first science information –agriculture –crafts –reading –writing –mathematics brought forth civilization –built villages, cities, and towns

The two groups Two groups within the group –Digambaras Left the area of Mahavira because of famine –Svetambaras Stayed in the area

A LITTLE different... –Two primary differences between the two relaxation of nudity requirement for monks (Digambaras yes, Svetambaras no) council convened for moving from oral transmission of teachings to established written cannons

Sky Clad Ones –Sky clad ones no nudity, no shame, no stuff, no kidding… wear the environment as ones clothing, that way you hurt nothing 2 possessions –gourd to drink water –fan made from drooped peacock feathers

White Clad Ones –White clad ones piece of white cloth –And what about women? Digambaras; –women lack strong body and willpower to attain liberation »can be liberated IF reborn in a mans body Svetambaras; –women are capable of the same spiritual achievements »19th tirthankara was a woman