5.1 Jainism: Origins, Beliefs, and Practices

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.

Tirthankara: A Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher in Jainism who has attained enlightenment and serves as a guide for others on the path to liberation.

Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence that is central to Jain philosophy and is emphasized in Mahavira's teachings.

Jain Sutras: Jain Sutras are sacred texts that contain the teachings and doctrines of Jainism, including those attributed to Mahavira.

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.

Svetambara: The other primary sect of Jainism that differs from Digambara in practices such as the wearing of white clothing by its monks and differing interpretations of certain scriptures.

Tirthankara: A spiritual teacher in Jainism who has achieved liberation and guides others on the path to enlightenment; Mahavira is considered the last Tirthankara.

Ahimsa: The principle of non-violence toward all living beings, which is foundational to Jain beliefs and heavily emphasized by both sects.

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.

Digambara: Digambara is the other primary sect of Jainism, whose adherents traditionally believe that men must renounce all clothing to achieve true liberation and view women as incapable of reaching the highest spiritual level without first being reborn as men.

Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence that is central to Jainism, emphasizing the importance of harming no living being in thought, word, or deed, which both Svetambaras and Digambaras uphold.

Tirthankara: Tirthankaras are revered spiritual teachers in Jainism who have attained liberation and serve as role models for others; Svetambaras particularly venerate the same Tirthankaras as Digambaras but may differ in certain iconographic representations.

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.

Karma: The law of cause and effect, where an individual's actions (good or bad) influence their future experiences and circumstances.

Buddhism: A spiritual tradition that emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, focusing on overcoming suffering through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.

Jainism: An ancient Indian religion that places a strong emphasis on ahimsa as a core value, advocating strict non-violence in thought, word, and deed.

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.

Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence towards all living beings, which is a core tenet in Jainism and influences the practice of aparigraha.

Samyak Darshana: Samyak Darshana refers to the right perception or insight in Jainism, which is necessary for understanding the true nature of reality and supports the practice of aparigraha.

Moksha: Moksha represents liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which is the ultimate goal of Jain practitioners, achievable through adherence to principles like aparigraha.

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.

Syadvada: A related Jain concept that emphasizes conditional assertion, suggesting that statements about reality can only be true in certain contexts or conditions.

Jain Ethics: The moral principles guiding the conduct of Jains, rooted in the ideas of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and respect for all living beings, which are closely connected to anekantavada.

Satya: In Jainism, it refers to the concept of truth, which is seen as relative and multifaceted, directly linking to the idea of anekantavada.

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.

Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals go through, which is influenced by karma.

Dharma: The moral duty or righteousness that an individual must follow, often influencing their karma based on whether they fulfill or neglect these duties.

Nirvana: A state of liberation from the cycle of samsara and the associated suffering, achievable through the right understanding of karma and ethical living.

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.

Mindfulness: A practice that involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.

Zen: A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation as a means to attain enlightenment and a deep understanding of the nature of existence.

Samadhi: A state of intense concentration achieved through meditation, often considered a step towards achieving enlightenment in various spiritual traditions.

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.

moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal in Jainism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and the attainment of eternal bliss.

ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence in Jainism, emphasizing the importance of causing no harm to any living being, which is foundational to Jain ethics.

tirthankara: Tirthankaras are spiritual teachers in Jainism who have achieved liberation and guide others on the path to moksha through their teachings and example.

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.

Austerity: A lifestyle characterized by strict self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, often practiced during fasting to enhance spiritual focus.

Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement in Judaism, observed with a 25-hour fast that focuses on repentance and reconciliation with God.

Paryushana: An important festival in Jainism that involves fasting and reflects on self-discipline and spiritual purification.

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 the principle of cause and effect in Jainism, where a person's actions lead to future consequences that affect their jiva's journey through different life forms.

Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate liberation of the jiva from the cycle of samsara (rebirth), achieved through the purging of karma and spiritual enlightenment.

Samsara: Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all jivas undergo until they attain moksha and are liberated from this cycle.