2.7 Jainism

Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, emphasizes spiritual liberation through ethical living and non-violence. Emerging alongside Hinduism and Buddhism, it traces its roots to the Sramana tradition and was formalized by Mahavira in the 6th-5th century BCE.

Core Jain beliefs include the concept of eternal souls, karma, and rebirth. The religion promotes non-violence, multiple viewpoints, and rigorous self-discipline as paths to spiritual purification and ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Origins and history

• Jainism emerged as one of the oldest Indian religions alongside Hinduism and Buddhism
• Emphasizes spiritual independence and equality, influencing the development of Indian philosophy and ethics
• Traces its roots to ancient Indian ascetic traditions predating organized religions

Ancient Indian roots

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• Originated from the Sramana tradition of ancient India around 6th-5th century BCE
• Shares philosophical concepts with early Vedic and Upanishadic teachings
• Influenced by and contributed to the diverse spiritual landscape of ancient India

Mahavira and Jain founders

• Vardhamana Mahavira (599-527 BCE) considered the last Tirthankara and principal figure of Jainism
• 24 Tirthankaras believed to have taught Jain principles throughout history
• Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, lived around 8th-7th century BCE and established early Jain doctrines

Development through centuries

• Spread throughout India during the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
• Flourished under the patronage of various Indian dynasties (Gupta, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta)
• Experienced decline during Islamic rule but maintained strongholds in western and southern India
• Underwent reforms and revival in the 19th-20th centuries, adapting to modernization

Core beliefs and philosophy

• Jainism centers on the liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth through ethical living and spiritual practices
• Emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions and the interconnectedness of all living beings
• Promotes a non-absolutist worldview that acknowledges multiple perspectives on truth

Concept of jiva

• Jiva refers to the eternal, conscious soul present in all living beings
• Believes in the existence of infinite jivas, each striving for liberation
• Jivas are classified based on their sensory capabilities (one to five senses)

Karma and rebirth

• Karma viewed as subtle particles that attach to the soul due to actions and thoughts
• Accumulation of karma leads to rebirth in various realms of existence
• Emphasizes personal responsibility for one's karmic state and future incarnations

Non-violence (ahimsa)

• Central tenet of Jainism, extending beyond physical harm to include thoughts and speech
• Practiced through vegetarianism, careful movement to avoid harming microorganisms
• Influences Jain lifestyle choices, occupations, and social interactions

Anekantavada and syadvada

• Anekantavada: doctrine of multiple viewpoints, acknowledging the complexity of reality
• Syadvada: theory of conditional predication, using "maybe" to express the limitations of knowledge
• These principles promote intellectual humility and tolerance for diverse perspectives

Ethical principles

• Jain ethics focus on purifying the soul through rigorous self-discipline and compassionate behavior
• Emphasizes personal responsibility and the cultivation of positive virtues
• Guides daily life choices, from dietary habits to professional pursuits

Five great vows

• Ahimsa: non-violence towards all living beings
• Satya: truthfulness in speech and action
• Asteya: non-stealing or respecting others' possessions
• Brahmacharya: chastity or control over sensual pleasures
• Aparigraha: non-attachment to material possessions

Asceticism and self-discipline

• Practiced through fasting, meditation, and control of bodily desires
• Monastic traditions involve renunciation of worldly possessions and family ties
• Laypeople observe varying degrees of ascetic practices based on their spiritual goals

Dietary practices

• Strict vegetarianism, avoiding meat, fish, and eggs
• Many Jains also abstain from root vegetables to minimize harm to plants
• Practice of filtering water and avoiding fermented foods to prevent consumption of microorganisms

Environmental stewardship

• Emphasis on minimizing harm to all forms of life extends to environmental conservation
• Promotes sustainable living practices and protection of biodiversity
• Jain concepts have influenced modern environmental movements and animal rights advocacy

Cosmology and metaphysics

• Jain cosmology presents a complex, eternal universe without a creator deity
• Emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the interconnectedness of all existence
• Provides a framework for understanding the soul's journey towards liberation

Jain universe structure

• Divided into three main realms: upper world (heavens), middle world (earthly realm), and lower world (hells)
• Consists of both living (jiva) and non-living (ajiva) substances
• Describes various types of beings inhabiting different parts of the universe

Concept of time cycles

• Universe undergoes endless cycles of progress and decline (utsarpini and avasarpini)
• Each cycle lasts for enormous periods, divided into six ages
• Current age believed to be in a descending cycle, influencing Jain eschatology

Liberation and moksha

• Moksha: state of complete liberation from the cycle of rebirth
• Achieved through the elimination of all karmic particles from the soul
• Liberated souls ascend to the Siddhaloka, the realm of perfected beings

Sacred texts and scriptures

• Jain scriptures preserve the teachings of the Tirthankaras and other enlightened beings
• Combine philosophical treatises, ethical guidelines, and cosmological descriptions
• Vary between different Jain sects, with some texts considered lost or partially preserved

Agamas and Siddhanta

• Agamas: canonical texts containing the core teachings of Mahavira
• Siddhanta: collective term for the sacred scriptures accepted by different Jain traditions
• Include philosophical discussions, rules for monastic life, and cosmological theories

Purvas and other texts

• Purvas: ancient texts believed to contain the original teachings of Mahavira
• Now considered lost, with only references in later works
• Other important texts include the Tattvartha Sutra and various commentaries

Oral vs written traditions

• Initially transmitted orally through generations of monks and nuns
• Written compilation began around 1st century CE to preserve teachings
• Some sects maintain that certain teachings can only be transmitted orally

Jain practices and rituals

• Jain practices aim to purify the soul and progress towards spiritual liberation
• Combine daily observances, periodic rituals, and lifelong spiritual disciplines
• Vary in intensity between lay followers and ascetics

Meditation and yoga

• Samayika: practice of equanimity and self-reflection
• Preksha meditation: technique focusing on self-awareness and transformation
• Incorporates elements of yoga for physical and mental purification

Temple worship

• Involves offering of flowers, fruits, and other items to Tirthankara images
• Recitation of mantras and hymns praising the qualities of enlightened beings
• Performance of aarti (light offering) and other devotional rituals

Festivals and celebrations

• Paryushana: annual 8-10 day period of fasting, study, and reflection
• Mahavir Janma Kalyanak: celebration of Mahavira's birth
• Diwali: associated with Mahavira's attainment of nirvana

Pilgrimage sites

• Shatrunjaya: hill in Gujarat with numerous Jain temples
• Shikharji: believed to be the liberation site of 20 Tirthankaras
• Ranakpur: famous for its intricately carved marble temple

Jain art and architecture

• Jain art reflects the religion's spiritual principles and cosmological concepts
• Characterized by intricate details, symbolic representations, and mathematical precision
• Serves both aesthetic and didactic purposes in Jain religious practice

Temple design and symbolism

• Multi-tiered structures representing the layers of the Jain universe
• Use of specific numerical patterns (72, 52, 24) reflecting Jain cosmology
• Incorporation of symbols like the svastika, dharma chakra, and three jewels

Jain iconography

• Depictions of Tirthankaras in meditation posture with specific identifying marks
• Use of auspicious symbols (ashta mangala) in religious art
• Yantras and mandalas representing cosmic principles and meditation aids

Manuscript illustrations

• Intricately painted Kalpasutra manuscripts depicting Mahavira's life
• Use of distinctive styles and color palettes in different regions
• Incorporation of Jain cosmological diagrams and maps of the universe

Jainism vs other Indian religions

• Jainism shares some common roots with Hinduism and Buddhism but maintains distinct doctrines
• Emphasizes its unique approach to soul, karma, and liberation
• Influences and is influenced by other Indian philosophical traditions

Jainism vs Hinduism

• Rejects the concept of a supreme creator deity, unlike many Hindu traditions
• Does not accept the authority of the Vedas or the caste system
• Shares some ethical principles but differs in cosmology and metaphysics

Jainism vs Buddhism

• Both reject the Vedic tradition and emphasize non-violence and monasticism
• Jainism posits an eternal soul, while Buddhism teaches the doctrine of no-self (anatta)
• Differs in views on karma, with Jainism seeing it as a material substance

Modern Jainism

• Jainism has adapted to contemporary challenges while maintaining its core principles
• Faces issues of modernization, globalization, and preservation of traditions
• Continues to influence various fields through its ethical and philosophical teachings

Global diaspora

• Significant Jain communities in North America, Europe, and East Africa
• Establishment of Jain centers and temples in diaspora countries
• Adaptation of religious practices to new cultural contexts

Contemporary challenges

• Balancing traditional ascetic ideals with modern lifestyles
• Addressing environmental concerns through Jain ecological ethics
• Preserving Jain languages (Ardhamagadhi, Prakrit) and textual traditions

Jain contributions to society

• Influence on Indian business ethics and philanthropy
• Contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and logic in ancient and medieval India
• Modern applications of Jain principles in conflict resolution and environmental conservation

Jain sects and schools

• Jainism has developed various sects and sub-traditions over its long history
• Main divisions arose from differences in monastic practices and scriptural interpretations
• Each sect maintains distinct customs while sharing core Jain principles

Digambara vs Svetambara

• Digambara: "sky-clad" monks practice complete nudity, believe women cannot attain liberation
• Svetambara: "white-clad" monks wear simple white robes, accept possibility of female liberation
• Differ in canonical texts accepted and some ritual practices

Other sub-sects

• Sthanakavasi: rejects temple worship and idol veneration
• Terapanthi: emphasizes strict monastic discipline and social reform
• Digambara sub-sects: Bisapantha, Terapantha, Taranpantha

Monastic traditions

• Strict rules governing monastic life, including daily routines and dietary restrictions
• Emphasis on study, meditation, and teaching of Jain principles
• Variations in practices between different sects and sub-traditions

Women in Jainism

• Role of women in Jainism has evolved over time, reflecting both traditional views and modern reforms
• Jain texts present diverse perspectives on women's spiritual capabilities
• Contemporary Jainism sees increased participation of women in religious and social spheres

Historical roles

• Some early Jain texts describe limitations on women's spiritual progress
• Stories of female ascetics and their achievements preserved in Jain literature
• Women played important roles as patrons of Jain art and architecture

Contemporary status

• Increasing acceptance of women's participation in religious rituals and leadership
• Growing number of female Jain scholars and teachers
• Debates on gender equality within the framework of Jain ethics

Female ascetics and nuns

• Svetambara tradition has a long history of female monastic orders
• Sadhvis (nuns) engage in study, teaching, and spiritual practices
• Some contemporary movements advocate for equal status of nuns with monks