Jainism
- At July 10, 2009
- By Betty
- In Mysticism, Religion
0

Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma is a religion and philosophy originating in Ancient India with the teachings of Mahavira (ca. 6th century BC). A minority in modern India, with growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, Africa, the Far East and elsewhere, Jains continue to sustain the ancient Shraman or ascetic tradition.
Jains have significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for more than two millennia. Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (vratae) is vital for attaining Keval Gyan and eventually moksha, or realization of the soul’s true nature.
The Jain Sangha, or community, has four components: monks, nuns (sadhvi), laymen, (Shravakas) and laywomen, (Shravikas). A Shravaka follows basic principles or “Niyam”.
Jain philosophy is based upon eternal, universal truths, according to its followers. Over time, these truths may lapse among humanity and then reappear through the teachings of enlightened humans, those who have reached enlightenment or total knowledge (Keval Gnan). Traditionally, in our universe and in our time, Lord Rishabha is regarded as the first to realize the truth. Lord Vardhaman (Mahavira) was the last Tirthankar to attain enlightenment (599-527 BCE), preceded by twenty-three Tirthankars making a total of twenty-four Tirthankars.
It is important to note that the above description stands true “in our universe and in our time” for Jains believe there have been infinite sets of 24 Tirthankars, and this will continue in the future. Hence, Jainism does not trace its origins to Rishabh Dev, the first, or Mahavir, the twenty-fourth Tirthankar.
Jainism has a very distinct idea underlying Tirthankar worship. The physical form is not to be worshipped, but it is the Gunas (virtues, qualities) which are praised. Tirthankars are only role-models, and sub-sects, like Sthanakvasi, refuse to worship statues.
Jains believe all souls are equal because they all possess the potential of being liberated and attaining Moksha. Here Jain Dharma is categorically different from Hinduism and many other religions. Tirthankars and Siddhas are role models only because they have attained Moksha. Jains believe that every human is responsible for his/her actions and all living beings have an eternal soul, j?va. It insists that we live, think and act respectfully and honor the spiritual nature of all life. Jains view God as the unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, chiefly described as Infinite Knowledge, Perception, Consciousness, and Happiness. Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator or manager (karta), but rather in an eternal universe governed by natural laws and the interplay of its attributes (gunas) and matter (dravya).
Jains call meditation Samayik, a word in the Prakrit language roughly meaning “equanimity”. The aim of Samayik is to transcend our daily experiences as “constantly changing” human beings, (Jiva), and identify with Atma, our “unchanging” reality. Samayik is begun by achieving a balance in time.
If this current moment is defined as a moving line between the past and the future, Samayik happens by being fully aware, alert and conscious in that moving time line when one experiences Atma, one’s true nature, common to all life. Samayik is from ‘samay’ (time, in Prakrit). Samayik is especially significant during Paryushana, a special 8-day period during the monsoon.
Jain scriptures were written over a long period of time, but the most cited is the Tattvartha Sutra, or Book of Reality written by the monk-scholar, Umasvati almost 1800 years ago. The primary figures are Tirthankars. There are two main sects called Digambar and Shvetambar, and both believe in ahimsa (or ahins?), asceticism, karma, sanskar, and jiva.
Compassion for all life, human and non-human, is central to Jainism. Human life is valued as a unique, rare opportunity to reach enlightenment: to kill any person, no matter what crime he may have committed, is considered unimaginably abhorrent. It is the only religion that requires monks and laity, from all its sects and traditions, to be vegetarian. Some Indian regions have been strongly influenced by Jains and often the majority of the local non-Jain population has also become vegetarian. History suggests that various strains of Hinduism became vegetarian due to strong Jain influences. In many towns, Jains run animal shelters. For example, Delhi has a bird hospital run by a Jain derasar, or temple.
Jainism’s stance on nonviolence goes much beyond vegetarianism. Jains refuse food obtained with unnecessary cruelty. Many are vegan due to the violence of modern dairy farms. The Jain diet excludes most root vegetables, as they believe this destroys entire plants unnecessarily. If you eat apples, you do not destroy whole trees, but for root vegetables, whole plants are uprooted. Garlic and onions are avoided as these are seen as creating passion, meaning anger, hatred, jealousy. Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset (Chauvihar) and rise before sunrise.
Anekantavada, a foundation of Jain philosophy, literally means “Nonsingular Conclusivity”, or equivalently, “Non-one-endedness”. Anekantavad consists of tools for overcoming inherent biases in any one perspective on any topic or in reality in general. Another tool is The Doctrine of Postulation, Sy?dv?da. Anekantavad is defined as a multiplicity of viewpoints, for it stresses looking at things from others’ perspectives.
Jains are usually very welcoming and friendly toward other faiths and often help with interfaith functions. Several non-Jain temples in India are administered by Jains. The Jain Heggade family has run the Hindu institutions of Dharmasthala, including the Sri Manjunath Temple, for eight centuries. Jain monks, like Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Sushil Kumar, have actively promoted harmony among sects to defuse tension.
A palpable presence in Indian culture, Jains have contributed to Indian philosophy, art, architecture, science, and to Mohandas Gandhi’s politics, which led to the mainly non-violent movement for Indian independence.