Jainism at a glance
Jainism originated in India and got their name from the word 'Jinas' which means conquers. This title was given to a group of teachers at the time called tirthankaras. One of the teachers named Mahavira, is known to be the founder of Jainism. Jains also believe in Jivas that is another name for a soul. One of the goals of a Jain is to overcome their inner enemies and to not have any karma. Once they complete this then they become a "conquer" of their Jiva and their Jiva cannot be reborn again. Jains also believe that there are both heaven and hell, movement through these require adherence to the Jainism doctrines that encourage a peaceful and disciplined life. Like Buddhism, Jains also have many theologies like the " Five Great Vows", " The There Jewels” and " The Seven Fundamentals". Jains want a pure soul, and one of their most emphasized points is non-violence or ahimsa. They believe that no one should hurt any living being including plants, because all live depends on nature. This is also the reason why Jains are vegetarians. To be a Jain you must first give in to the teachings, and surrender all your desirers and needs. You must be compassionate, to not gain any Karma. You must not lie, steal, and give into unmoral desires. Many aspects of Jainism are mental rather than physical. Jains meditate because it brings full awareness and knowledge. Other ways to worship are to go to temples, but some people just read ancient scriptures instead. Also praying is considered an internal celebration, and fasting is an important ways to spiritually defeat karma. Many Jains become monks or nuns as well, but it is a very hard way to live. They do not have a permanent home, they travel place to place barefoot, and only accept food that is given to them.
The Three Jewels:
1.Right Faith (Samyak Darshan)
2.Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana)
3.Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)
The Seven Fundamentals:
1. Soul (Jiva)
2. Non-Soul (Ajiva): non-living things
3. Influx (Asrava) : Karmic matter that is attached to the soul
4. Bondage (Bandha): The karmic matter sticks to the soul and doesn’t let you become a ‘conquer’ of your soul.
5. Stoppage (Saṃvara): If you defeat your inner enemies properly then there is a way to stop getting more karma.
6. Dissociation (Nirjarā): Possible to get ride of all karma
7. Liberation (Moksha): When the soul has no karma, and is fully conquered then you become liberated, and have reached perfection.
"Five Great Vows":
The Three Jewels:
1.Right Faith (Samyak Darshan)
2.Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana)
3.Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)
The Seven Fundamentals:
1. Soul (Jiva)
2. Non-Soul (Ajiva): non-living things
3. Influx (Asrava) : Karmic matter that is attached to the soul
4. Bondage (Bandha): The karmic matter sticks to the soul and doesn’t let you become a ‘conquer’ of your soul.
5. Stoppage (Saṃvara): If you defeat your inner enemies properly then there is a way to stop getting more karma.
6. Dissociation (Nirjarā): Possible to get ride of all karma
7. Liberation (Moksha): When the soul has no karma, and is fully conquered then you become liberated, and have reached perfection.
"Five Great Vows":
- Non-violence (ahimsa)
- Truth (satya)
- Non-stealing (asteya)
- Celibacy (brahmachanga)
- Non-possessiveness (aparigraha)