Jainism, one of the oldest religions in the world, is an ancient Indian faith that emphasizes non-violence, truth, and asceticism. The origins of Jainism can be traced back to the 6th century BCE. In a time of spiritual awakening in India, it also saw the rise of Buddhism. Popularized by Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar, the religion has profoundly influenced Indian culture, philosophy, and ethics.
- Founder of Jainism: Rishabhdeva
- Jainism Symbol: The hand with a wheel on the palm
- Holy Book of Jainism: Agamas
- Principles of Jainism: Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession
- Jainism Place of Worship: Derasar or Jain temple
The symbol of Jainism, known as the Jain Prateek Chihna, consists of a hand with a wheel on the palm. The wheel represents the dharma chakra. It symbolizes the resolve to halt the cycle of rebirth through adherence to the tenets of Jainism. Mahavira is regarded as the reformer of an existing religion rather than its originator. It suggests the antiquity of Jain’s spiritual traditions.
The Founder of Jainism
The founder of Jainism is traditionally believed to be Rishabhdeva, also known as Adinatha. He is regarded as the first Tirthankar of Jainism. Rishabhdeva was born to King Nabhiraja and Queen Marudevi. He is considered to have lived millions of years ago, according to Jain cosmology. His teachings and spiritual practices laid the foundation for the religion. He emphasized the principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Rishabhdeva’s enlightenment and subsequent teachings helped shape the Jain path, guiding followers towards liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth. His legacy continues to influence Jain’s philosophy and practice to this day.
Jainism Origin and Sects
Jainism history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, with evidence of Jain-like practices and symbols. Over time, Jainism evolved into a distinct religion with its own scriptures and traditions. Today, it is primarily practiced in India, with significant Jain communities around the world.
Sects of Jainism
There are two main sects of the religion: Shvetambara and Digambara. The Shvetambaras, meaning “white-clad,” wear white robes. While the Digambaras, meaning “sky-clad,” practice nudity, symbolizing the renunciation of all material possessions. Despite their differences, both sects adhere to the same core teachings and principles of Jainism.
Symbol of Jainism
The symbol of Jainism, the Jain Prateek Chihna, encapsulates the essence of the religion. The hand signifies Ahimsa, urging followers to live with compassion and refrain from causing harm to any living being. The wheel on the palm, called the Dharma chakra, represents the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The word “Ahimsa” inscribed in the middle of the wheel reinforces the paramount importance of non-violence in the religion.
Jainism and Buddhism
Jainism and Buddhism emerged around the same period and share several similarities. These include emphasizing non-violence, meditation, and the renunciation of worldly pleasures. Both religions arose as reform movements against the ritualistic practices of Vedic Hinduism. However, there are significant differences between the two. Jainism places greater emphasis on extreme asceticism and self-mortification. In contrast, Buddhism advocates for a middle path between severe asceticism and hedonism.
Difference Between Jainism and Buddhism
- Founders: The founder of Jainism, Mahavira, and the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), both renounced princely lives to seek spiritual enlightenment.
- Non-violence: The religion practices strict Ahimsa, extending non-violence to all living beings, while Buddhism’s approach to non-violence is less rigorous.
- Ascetic Practices: Jain ascetics often practice severe forms of self-denial, including fasting and wearing minimal clothing. Whereas Buddhism promotes the Middle Way, avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.
Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism
- Non-Violence and Compassion: Both Jainism and Buddhism prioritize the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa). Both advocate for compassion towards all living beings as well. Jainism emphasizes strict non-violence. This includes minimizing harm to even the smallest creatures. Whereas Buddhism encourages kindness and avoidance of harm as part of the ethical precepts for lay followers and monastics alike.
- Asceticism and Renunciation: Both religions value ascetic practices and renunciation of worldly pleasures as the means to achieve spiritual liberation. Jainism promotes severe asceticism, including fasting and minimal possessions. Whereas Buddhism advocates for the Middle Way, which involves avoiding extreme self-denial and hedonism to attain enlightenment.
- Rejection of the Caste System: Jainism and Buddhism both challenge the Vedic caste system and its associated rituals. They reject caste-based hierarchies and emphasize equality. They promote a path of spiritual and moral development accessible to all, irrespective of social status or lineage.
Holy Book of Jainism
The holy book of Jainism is known as the Agamas. These texts are based on the discourses of Mahavira and were compiled by his disciples. The Agamas cover a wide range of subjects, including ethics, philosophy, cosmology, and metaphysics. They are written in the Prakrit language and serve as the foundational scriptures for the Shvetambara sect of the religion. The Digambara sect believes that the original Agamas have been lost and only a secondary scripture called the Siddhanta exists.
Principles of Jainism
The core concepts of Jainism revolve around the principles of the religion. These include Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment). The religion covers these principles in the 5 vows of Jainism, which both laypersons and ascetics take. The vows guide Jains to live a life of simplicity, honesty, and compassion towards all living beings.
The 3 Jewels of Jainism
The 3 jewels of Jainism are the core ethical principles that form the path to liberation. They are:
- Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Belief in the truth of Jain teachings.
- Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana): Accurate understanding of the universe and the soul.
- Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): Adherence to Jain ethical and moral principles.
Teachings of Jainism
The teachings of Jainism revolve around the principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Jains believe that every soul is inherently pure and capable of achieving liberation (moksha) through self-discipline and ethical living.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): The cornerstone of Jain ethics, it entails avoiding harm to any living being.
- Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): Encourages acceptance of multiple perspectives and the complexity of truth.
- Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Advocates for minimalism and detachment from material possessions.
- Syadvada (Conditional Predication): Promotes the understanding that statements can be true from different viewpoints.
Jainism in India
Jainism in India has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, with numerous temples and pilgrimage sites. Major places of worship include Palitana temples in Gujarat, Dilwara Temples in Rajasthan, and Gomateshwara statue in Karnataka. These sites attract Jains from all over the world and are a testament to the religion’s enduring legacy.
Conclusion
Jainism offers a unique perspective on life, emphasizing non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Its teachings provide a path to spiritual liberation and encourage ethical living. Understanding the structure of the religion helps in appreciating this ancient religion. The interplay between Jainism and Buddhism and the difference between Jainism and Buddhism enrich our understanding of India’s diverse spiritual landscape. With its deep-rooted philosophy and rich tradition, Jainism continues to guide millions toward a life of compassion and self-discipline.
| Jainism UPSC Notes |
| 1. Jainism is an ancient Indian religion founded by Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar, who emphasized non-violence, truth, and asceticism as core principles. 2. The religion’s symbol features a hand with a wheel on the palm, representing the resolve to cease the cycle of rebirth through adherence to Jain principles. 3. Jainism and Buddhism share similarities, such as a focus on non-violence and asceticism, but differ in their approaches to self-denial and the caste system. 4. The holy book of Jainism, the Agamas, contains teachings and discourses attributed to Mahavira, providing guidance on ethics, philosophy, and cosmology. 5. The principles of Jainism include Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment), guiding ethical living. 6. The 3 jewels of Jainism are Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, which form the path to spiritual liberation and guide Jain ethical practices. 7. Jainism’s two main sects are Shvetambara, who wear white robes, and Digambara, who practice nudity, reflecting different interpretations and practices within the religion. |
