Jainism
Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma is one of the most ancient religions of India. Jainism has four to five million followers, with most of them residing in India.
Followers of Jainism are called “Jains” a word derived from the Sanskrit word jina(victor). Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four victorious saviors and teachers known as Tirthankara. The first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha is believed to have lived millions of years ago. Mahavira (599-527 BCE) is the twenty-four and the last Tirthankara. Most scholars believe that Mahavira was an older contemporary of the Buddha. Mahavira’s teachings were remarkably philosophical and not based on any scripture or divine revelation. He did not deny the existence of the gods; but denied their divinity.
Jainism holds that it is not necessary to assume the presence of a creator. The universe has existed from eternity and will continue to exist so. Matter is eternal. The infinite changes in the world are due to the forces inherent in nature and not due to any divine interference.
The sacred books of the Jains are called Agamas. They believed to have been verbally transmitted from one generation to the next, much like the Hindu texts, by oral traditions.
The Jains are divided into two major denominations: Digambara and Svetambara. Monks of the Digambara tradition do not wear clothes and nuns wear only white sarees.
Jain ethics and five vows-
- Ahimsa, “ non-violence” or “ non -injury”;
To cause no harm to other human beings, as well as all other living beings. This is the highest ethical duty in Jainism.
- Satya – “truth”;
This vow is to always speak the truth, neither lie, nor speak what is not true or approve of any one who speaks the untruth.
- Asteya-“not stealing”;
A Jain layperson should not take anything that is not willingly given.
- Brahmacharya, “celibacy”;
Abstinence from sex and sensual pleasures is prescribed for Jain monks and nuns. For lay persons, the vow means chastity and faithfulness to one’s partner.
5-Aparigraha, “non-possessiveness”;
This includes non-attachment to material and psychological possessions, avoiding craving and greed. Jains monks and nuns completely renounce property and social relations.