Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world

EPL- INFORMATION FOR YOUR BUILDING SOUL

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, originating in India around the 6th century BCE, though its roots go back much further. It is a non-theistic religion — meaning it does not center around a creator god — and it emphasizes a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through self-discipline, non-violence, and asceticism.

🔑 Core Principles of Jainism:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence):

The most fundamental vow. Jains believe in absolute non-harm toward all living beings — including insects and microorganisms. This extends to thoughts, words, and deeds.

2. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness):

Renouncing material and emotional attachment. This principle promotes simplicity and detachment from worldly things.

3. Satya (Truth):

Always speak the truth, but only if it does not cause harm (in alignment with ahimsa).

4. Asteya (Non-stealing):

Never take anything that is not freely given.

5. Brahmacharya (Chastity or Celibacy):

Monks and nuns take a vow of complete celibacy; laypeople observe it in varying degrees.

🕉️ Beliefs and Philosophy:

Jiva and Ajiva:

The universe is made up of living beings (jiva) and non-living substances (ajiva). Jiva is eternal and capable of liberation.

Karma:

Unlike in Hinduism or Buddhism, Jain karma is a subtle material substance that literally sticks to the soul due to passions and actions. Liberation is achieved by burning off this karma.

Liberation (Moksha):

The ultimate goal is to achieve Kevala Jnana (infinite knowledge) and escape the cycle of birth and death (samsara), thereby attaining moksha.

🧘‍♂️ Practices:

Severe asceticism is practiced by Jain monks and nuns — including fasting, walking barefoot, and avoiding harm even to bacteria.

Vegetarianism is strictly observed; some Jains avoid root vegetables to prevent killing tiny life forms in the soil.

Meditation and self-discipline are key tools to purify the soul.

📚 Sacred Texts:

Agamas — Canonical scriptures derived from the teachings of Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher).

🕍 Jain Sects:

1. Digambara ("sky-clad"):

Monks do not wear clothes and believe women must be reborn as men to attain liberation.

2. Svetambara ("white-clad"):

Monks and nuns wear white robes and believe women can achieve liberation directly.

🧾 Tirthankaras:

Jainism recognizes 24 Tirthankaras, or spiritual way-showers. The most recent is Mahavira (599–527 BCE), a contemporary of the Buddha.

This will give you a holistic understanding of the tradition, its cosmology, ethics, and practices:

1. Mahavira’s Life and Teachings

Vardhamana Mahavira (599–527 BCE) was born into royalty in what is now Bihar, India.

At age 30, he renounced his wealth and status to become a wandering ascetic.

After 12 years of intense meditation and asceticism, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience or perfect knowledge).

He became the 24th and final Tirthankara of this time cycle — a spiritual teacher who reestablishes dharma.

He taught for 30 years, emphasizing non-violence, truth, and renunciation.

Mahavira did not found Jainism, but he revitalized it in an age of spiritual decline.

2. Jain Cosmology

The universe is eternal and has no creator god.

It consists of:

Urdhva Loka (upper worlds – heavens)

Madhya Loka (middle world – Earth, where humans live)

Adho Loka (lower worlds – hells)

Time is cyclical, divided into ascending (Utsarpini) and descending (Avasarpini) halves, each with 6 ages.

We are currently in the 5th era of the descending cycle, a period of spiritual decay.

The universe’s shape is likened to a human figure or hourglass.

3. The Concept of Karma in Jainism

Karma is not metaphorical; it is seen as a subtle, physical substance that binds to the soul.

Every action — especially those driven by passion (kashaya) — attracts karma.

Liberation involves stopping karma inflow (samvara) and burning off existing karma (nirjara) through right conduct and asceticism.

Karma influences rebirth into different life forms (human, animal, deity, or hell-being).

4. Jain Practices Today

Most Jains follow strict vegetarianism; many avoid root vegetables to preserve micro-life.

Lay Jains follow 5 anuvratas (small vows): non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness.

Monastics follow mahavratas (great vows) and live a life of extreme renunciation.

Paryushana is the most important festival — a time for fasting, prayer, and confession.

Temples and icon worship exist, but Jains do not pray to gods for favors — instead, they venerate the ideals embodied in the Tirthankaras.

5. Tirthankaras

24 in total; each appears in cosmic cycles to restore the path to liberation.

They are liberated beings (Siddhas) who’ve overcome all karma.

Notable ones:

Rishabhanatha – the first Tirthankara

Neminatha – cousin of Krishna

Mahavira – the most recent

Each is symbolized by a unique emblem (e.g., Mahavira = lion).

6. Comparison to Hinduism and Buddhism

Feature Jainism Hinduism Buddhism

God No creator god Multiple deities Atheistic/agnostic

Soul (Atman) Eternal and individual Eternal and universal No self (Anatta)

Karma Material substance Moral causality Moral causality

Liberation (Moksha) Through self-effort Through devotion or effort Through Eightfold Path

Ahimsa Absolute, central to the faith Important but not absolute Important

7. Jain Symbols and Rituals

Ahimsa Hand – A hand with a wheel and the word "Ahimsa", symbolizing non-violence.

Swastika – Represents the four states of existence (heaven, human, animal, hell).

Kalpa Sutra – Text read during Paryushana festival.

Siddhachakra – Sacred symbol representing stages of spiritual development.

8. Ascetic Life of Jain Monks and Nuns

Monks and nuns take 5 great vows to the extreme.

Digambara monks do not wear clothes, symbolizing total detachment.

Svetambara monks/nuns wear white robes.

Practices include:

Fasting

Begging for food

Walking barefoot

Sweeping the ground to avoid killing insects

They own nothing, not even a bowl or shoes.

9. Jain Ethics and Ecology

Jainism is perhaps the most eco-conscious religion.

Non-violence extends to:

Avoiding harm to air, water, soil microbes.

Supporting animal welfare and vegetarianism.

Many Jains engage in environmental activism and animal sanctuaries.

Jains see the Earth as a living being, and all forms of life as sacred.

10. Liberation (Moksha) and the Soul’s Journey

The soul (jiva) is inherently perfect: infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

Due to karma, it is clouded and bound in the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The path to liberation is:

1. Right faith (samyak darshan)

2. Right knowledge (samyak jnana)

3. Right conduct (samyak charitra)

Once all karmas are shed, the soul ascends to the Siddhashila, a pure realm above the universe, and exists there eternally in perfect bliss.