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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 are the core ethical principles that form the path to liberation. They are:
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.
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.
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. |
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