Glossary

5.1 Jainism: Origins, Beliefs, and Practices

4 min read•august 7, 2024

Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, emphasizes non-violence and self-discipline. Founded by in the 6th century BCE, it teaches that all living beings have souls and should be treated with respect. Jains strive for spiritual liberation through ethical living and ascetic practices.

The religion is split into two main sects: and . Core principles include (non-violence), (non-attachment), and (non-absolutism). Jains believe in , reincarnation, and the potential for all souls to achieve enlightenment through spiritual practices.

Key Figures and Sects

Mahavira and Tirthankaras

Top images from around the web for Mahavira and Tirthankaras

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Top images from around the web for Mahavira and Tirthankaras

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  • Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara, is considered the founder of Jainism in its present form
  • Lived in the 6th century BCE and was a contemporary of the Buddha
  • Tirthankaras are spiritually advanced beings who have attained enlightenment and guide others on the path to liberation
  • There are believed to be 24 Tirthankaras in each half-cycle of time, with Rishabhanatha being the first and Mahavira the last in the current cycle

Digambara and Svetambara Sects

  • Jainism split into two main sects, Digambara and Svetambara, around the 4th century CE due to doctrinal differences
  • Digambara, meaning "sky-clad," believe that monks should not wear clothes as a sign of complete renunciation (Shvetambaras wear white robes)
  • Digambaras believe that women cannot attain liberation without being reborn as men first, while Svetambaras disagree
  • Svetambaras accept the canonical texts as authentic, while Digambaras consider them lost or distorted

Jain Monasticism

  • Jain monks and nuns follow a strict ascetic lifestyle, renouncing worldly possessions and attachments
  • They practice non-violence (ahimsa) to an extreme degree, often wearing masks to avoid inhaling small insects and sweeping the ground before walking to avoid harming any living beings
  • Monks and nuns engage in , study of scriptures, and spiritual practices to progress towards liberation
  • Lay Jains support the monastic community by providing food, shelter, and other necessities, as monks and nuns do not prepare their own food to avoid harming living beings

Core Principles

Ahimsa: Non-violence

  • Ahimsa is the central tenet of Jainism, emphasizing non-violence towards all living beings
  • Jains believe that every living being has a soul and the right to live, and causing harm to any being accumulates negative karma
  • This principle extends to thoughts, words, and actions, with Jains striving to minimize harm in all aspects of life
  • In practice, Jains follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, avoid professions that may cause harm (such as farming or fishing), and even filter water to avoid consuming microorganisms

Aparigraha: Non-attachment

  • Aparigraha is the principle of non-attachment to material possessions and worldly desires
  • Jains believe that attachment to possessions and desires leads to suffering and the accumulation of karma
  • Monks and nuns practice complete renunciation of possessions, while lay Jains are encouraged to limit their possessions and detach from material wealth
  • This principle also extends to non-attachment to ideas, opinions, and relationships, promoting equanimity and emotional detachment

Anekantavada: Non-absolutism

  • Anekantavada is the doctrine of non-absolutism or many-sidedness, recognizing the complexity and relativity of truth
  • Jains believe that reality is multifaceted and can be perceived from different viewpoints, each holding a portion of the truth
  • This principle promotes tolerance, open-mindedness, and respect for diverse opinions and beliefs
  • In practice, Jains engage in respectful dialogue with those holding different views and refrain from dogmatic assertions of absolute truth

Sallekhana: Voluntary Death by Fasting

  • is the Jain practice of voluntarily to death, seen as the ultimate act of renunciation and detachment
  • This practice is undertaken by monks, nuns, or lay Jains who have reached a high level of spiritual attainment and wish to end the cycle of rebirth
  • Sallekhana is not considered suicide, as it is a gradual process of fasting with a spiritual purpose and is done with a peaceful and detached state of mind
  • The decision to undertake Sallekhana is made with careful consideration and often with the approval of spiritual guides and family members

Metaphysical Concepts

Karma: Cause and Effect

  • In Jainism, karma is understood as a subtle matter that adheres to the soul based on one's actions, thoughts, and words
  • Karma determines the nature of one's rebirth and experiences in future lives, with positive actions leading to positive karma and negative actions leading to negative karma
  • The goal of Jain spiritual practice is to liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirth by shedding all karma through non-attachment, non-violence, and spiritual discipline
  • Jains believe that every action has consequences and that individuals are responsible for their own spiritual progress through the accumulation of good karma and the shedding of negative karma

Jiva: Living Souls

  • refers to the living soul or consciousness that is present in all living beings, from humans to animals to plants and even microorganisms
  • Jains believe that every jiva is eternal, uncreated, and has the potential for infinite knowledge, perception, and bliss
  • The soul is seen as distinct from the body and mind, which are temporary and subject to change
  • The ultimate goal of Jain spiritual practice is the liberation of the jiva from the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of a state of pure consciousness and bliss (Kevala Jnana)
  • Jains believe in the fundamental equality of all jivas and the need to treat all living beings with compassion and non-violence, as they are all on the path to liberation

Key Terms to Review (21)

Agamas: Agamas are a set of canonical texts in Jainism that serve as important scriptures outlining the teachings, rituals, and philosophy of the religion. These texts are fundamental to understanding Jain beliefs and practices, providing guidelines for both monastic and lay followers, and are particularly significant in the Digambara and Svetambara traditions of Jainism.
Ahimsa: Ahimsa is a principle of non-violence and non-harm toward all living beings. It is a foundational ethical concept in various religious traditions, promoting compassion and respect for life. This principle encourages individuals to avoid causing injury through thoughts, words, or actions, and is deeply connected to the pursuit of enlightenment and ethical living in many spiritual paths.
Anekantavada: Anekantavada is a central philosophical concept in Jainism that means 'non-absolutism' or 'the many-sidedness of truth.' This principle teaches that reality is complex and can be understood from multiple perspectives, emphasizing that no single viewpoint can capture the entirety of truth. Anekantavada is foundational to Jain ethics and dialogue, promoting tolerance and understanding among differing beliefs.
Aparigraha: Aparigraha is a fundamental principle in Jainism that emphasizes non-possessiveness and non-attachment to material things. This concept encourages followers to minimize their desires and avoid hoarding, leading to a more spiritual life free from the burdens of excess. It is often considered essential for achieving liberation, as it aligns with the Jain belief in living a life of simplicity and restraint.
Digambara: Digambara is one of the two main sects of Jainism, characterized by its belief that ascetics should renounce all clothing as a symbol of their detachment from material possessions and worldly life. This practice reflects a broader commitment to strict asceticism and non-possessiveness, which are central to Jain beliefs. Digambaras also emphasize the concept of achieving liberation through individual effort and discipline, often contrasting with the other major sect, Svetambara, which holds different views on clothing and rituals.
Environmental Ethics: Environmental ethics is a philosophical discipline that examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. It addresses questions about the value of nature, the rights of non-human entities, and the ethical responsibilities humans have towards the planet. This branch of ethics often intersects with various religious beliefs, as many traditions emphasize the importance of stewardship and respect for nature, particularly in the context of practices and teachings that advocate for sustainable living and respect for all forms of life.
Fasting: Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from food, drink, or both for a set period, often for spiritual or religious reasons. This practice is significant in various religions as it serves to purify the body and soul, promote self-discipline, and strengthen one's connection to the divine. Fasting is often associated with introspection, repentance, and communal solidarity within the faith community.
Hand with a Wheel: The Hand with a Wheel, or 'Hand of Jainism', is a symbol representing the principles of Jainism, particularly the emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and the importance of spiritual guidance in achieving liberation. This symbol often features a hand positioned with an open palm, indicating the commitment to peace, while the wheel signifies the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and the path toward enlightenment through right conduct and knowledge.
Jiva: Jiva refers to the individual soul or living being in Jainism, representing the essence of life that is eternal and distinct from the body. In Jain philosophy, jivas are considered to possess consciousness and can experience suffering and joy, influencing their journey through various life forms based on their karma. The liberation of the jiva from the cycle of birth and death is a central goal in Jain practice, emphasizing the importance of ethical living and spiritual development.
Karma: Karma is a concept found in several Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, referring to the moral law of cause and effect, where a person's actions influence their future experiences. This principle connects individual choices with their consequences, both in this life and in subsequent lives, shaping one's destiny through a cycle of actions and reactions.
Mahavir Jayanti: Mahavir Jayanti is a significant religious festival celebrated by Jains that commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. This day is observed with various rituals, prayers, and community gatherings that reflect the core beliefs of Jainism, such as non-violence and truth, showcasing the importance of Mahavir's teachings in shaping Jain practices and ethics.
Mahavira: Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism and is considered the founder of the modern Jain faith. He played a crucial role in shaping the core beliefs and practices of Jainism, emphasizing non-violence, truth, and asceticism as the path to liberation. His teachings laid the groundwork for Jain philosophy and ethics, which continue to influence millions today.
Meditation: Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of calmness, concentration, and heightened awareness. This practice is often linked to various religious and spiritual traditions, serving as a tool for self-reflection, mindfulness, and achieving deeper states of consciousness.
Parshva: Parshva is a significant figure in Jainism, recognized as the 23rd Tirthankara or spiritual teacher in the Jain tradition. He is revered for his teachings that emphasize non-violence, truthfulness, and asceticism, which are core principles of Jain belief. His life and teachings serve as a foundational example for Jains, illustrating the path toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Parshva's influence extends to practices such as meditation and strict adherence to ethical conduct.
Paryushana: Paryushana is one of the most important religious observances in Jainism, lasting for eight days, during which adherents engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection. This period is seen as a time for spiritual purification, self-discipline, and seeking forgiveness from others, emphasizing the core Jain values of non-violence and truthfulness. It culminates in a day of atonement known as Samvatsari, where Jains ask for forgiveness from friends and family for any wrongdoings committed throughout the year.
Sallekhana: Sallekhana is a Jain practice of voluntary self-starvation, undertaken as a spiritual act to prepare for death. It reflects deep commitment to the principles of non-violence and detachment from the material world, embodying the ideal of renouncing worldly desires to attain liberation (moksha). This practice is considered a form of an ascetic life, signifying the culmination of a Jain's spiritual journey towards purity and enlightenment.
Samsara: Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that is a fundamental concept in many Eastern religions. This ongoing cycle is marked by the continuous flow of life experiences and is influenced by one's actions and choices, ultimately leading to either liberation or continued existence in the material world. Understanding samsara is crucial for grasping the spiritual goals of achieving enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
Svetambara: Svetambara refers to one of the two major sects of Jainism, characterized by its members wearing white clothing and embracing a more liberal interpretation of Jain teachings compared to the other sect, Digambara. This sect believes in the possibility of women achieving liberation and has a broader acceptance of texts and practices that differ from those of the Digambaras, highlighting a significant aspect of Jain beliefs and practices.
Swastika: The swastika is an ancient symbol characterized by a cross with arms bent at right angles, often associated with auspiciousness, good fortune, and spiritual prosperity in various cultures. In the context of Jainism, the swastika represents the seven dimensions of reality and is a significant symbol in the religion's teachings, embodying the concept of rebirth and liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Tattvartha Sutra: The Tattvartha Sutra is a foundational text of Jain philosophy, written by Umaswati in the 2nd century CE. It serves as a comprehensive summary of Jain beliefs, practices, and the path to liberation, effectively bridging the teachings of the two main sects of Jainism: Digambara and Svetambara. This text is essential for understanding the core tenets of Jainism, including the nature of reality, the soul, karma, and the concept of moksha.
Veganism: Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, based on ethical, environmental, and health considerations. This philosophy aligns closely with the principles of non-violence and respect for all living beings, which are central to many religious beliefs, especially Jainism. The connection to Jainism is particularly strong as both advocate for the protection of life and promote compassion towards all creatures.
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