An Introduction To Jainism
Jainism, a religion traced back to twenty-four teachers known as Tirthankaras, revolves around the faith passed down through these enlightened beings. The term ‘Jaina’ derives from ‘jina,’ meaning conqueror, signifying supreme souls free from attachment and aversion. Tirthankaras are revered as they conquered all passions and achieved liberation. Jainism is thus a religion of heroic souls who have conquered themselves. Followers are called ‘Jaina,’ and the religion is the ‘Jaina Religion.’
The first Tirthankara was Rsabhadeva, and the last was Vardhamana, also known as Mahavira, who lived in the sixth century B.C., contemporaneous with Gautama Buddha. Mahavira succeeded Parvanatha, who lived in the ninth century B.C. Jainism has profoundly influenced Indian culture, spirituality, and philosophy, focusing more on practice than faith. It is a sramanic religion, meaning it emphasizes asceticism, mysticism, meditation, contemplation, and virtues like non-violence, renunciation, celibacy, and self-control.
The emergence of Jainism in the sixth century B.C. was timely as many opposed the hierarchical and ritualistic Vedic religion. The Vedic rituals, which failed to address popular needs and involved the sacrificial killing of animals, led to a search for a new orientation provided by the Jinas. Jain teachings emphasized personal training and effort, asserting that salvation is attainable through practice rather than theoretical speculation. The proof of their teachings lay in personal experience rather than textual authority.
Jains believe their religion is eternal, revealed repeatedly by countless Tirthankaras throughout history. Tirthankaras, upon achieving moksha (liberation), are considered gods and worshipped by Jains, having reached enlightenment through personal effort. Jainism’s universal message of non-violence and its significant impact on social life highlight its enduring legacy.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/tMRvw4qhPf8
Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FE6AzSLSxaufY7HEiR8wtNhqvPZr-ofJ/view?usp=sharing
After reading this, I learnt that Jainism, founded by a succession of Tirthankaras who achieved liberation through self-conquest, emphasizes personal effort and ascetic practice over ritualistic faith, and has significantly impacted Indian culture with its enduring message of non-violence.
ReplyDeleteJainism resembles most of the qualities of Buddhism. However, it gives more importance to non-violence. The concept of non-violence has made an impact on me, inviting me to reflect and evaluate myself to become a better version of myself.
ReplyDeleteMax Weber compared Protestant ethics and Jain's ethic. He observed that Jains were traders, traders among many. Today, I have decided not to kill mosquito in my room.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I like about Jainism is their opposition to the hierarchical and ritualistic Vedic religion, which involved animal sacrifices. Jainism values all living beings and teaches that salvation is achieved through personal effort and deeds, not words.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Jainism because the Tirthankaras or sadhus live out their religious values such as five great vows then they teach other followers in this way they are effective to make this world a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear the word conqueror I remember the great rulers who conquered the world . But conqueror according to Jainism means one who has conquered oneself. I understand the concept of self and the world here.
ReplyDeleteJainism is quite similar to Buddhism where one renounces everything and seeks for liberation from rebirth. This is a different concept where there is no God but Tirthankaras and their teachings.
ReplyDeleteJainism is an revolutionary religion because it opposed the traditional ritualistic practices of the Vedic rituals. It focused on the self discipline of oneself.
ReplyDeleteI admire the Jainism for living out the religious oders very strictly and flowing the norms with integrity.
ReplyDeleteThe Introduction to Jainism gave me a wide perspective of Jainism to know and understand more in detail about different groups living, such as Monks, Nuns laymen and women who follow the same teaching of Mahavira.
ReplyDeleteJainism is a religion that emphasizes non-violence, respect for all life, and personal spiritual development. It teaches its followers to live a life of simplicity, compassion, and ethical discipline to achieve liberation.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to know more about Jainism religion, getting wider perspective of its teachings and beliefs.
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ReplyDeleteKing Solomon known as the wisest man in the world could not control his passion therefore he sin against God. It is through pure knowledge and control over passion that could give us Liberation or Paradise.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to learn that Jainism worship the tirthankaras and thus it basically mean that one can become God
ReplyDeleteJainism is religion of heroic soul who have conquered themselves. This means it is a personal efforts and training to live better life. Also emphasis on meditation, non violence and so on. Mindfulness of other living beings is way to liberation.
ReplyDeleteJaina Religion is one of the heart touching religions as the Jaina live out their faith through their life style. This religion is more practical than theoretical.
ReplyDeleteJainism is one of my heart touching religions as the followers of its religion live out their faith practically through their life style. They are more concerned with the practice of their faith rather than its theories. And this is the religion that sees the beauty of each living being.
ReplyDeleteThe rise of Jainism in the sixth century B.C. coincided with a growing disapproval of the ceremonial and hierarchical Vedic religion. Hard times can make people stronger, think critically about the existing systems and produce revolutionaries who show a better path for the common man.
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