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Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma
is one of the oldest religions still practiced today by around 4.5
million. It is an Indian religion whose three main pillars are nonviolence;
ahiṃsā, asceticism; aparigraha, and a rejection of any simplistic or
one-sided view of truth and reality; anekāntavāda.
Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of
twenty-four tirthankaras, supreme preachers of dharma. The first
tirthankara in the current time cycle is Rishabhadeva, who tradition holds lived
millions of years ago; the 23rd tirthankara is Parshvanatha, traditionally dated
to the 9th century BCE; and the 24th tirthankara is Mahavira, who lived c. the
6th or 5th century BCE.
Jainism is considered an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every
time cycle of the cosmology. Central to understanding Jain philosophy is the
concept of bhedavijñāna, or the clear distinction in the nature of the
soul and non-soul entities. This principle underscores the innate purity and
potential for liberation within every soul, distinct from the physical and
mental elements that bind it to the cycle of birth and rebirth. Recognizing and
internalizing this separation is essential for spiritual progress and the
attainment of samyaka darśana; self realization, which marks the
beginning of the aspirant's journey towards liberation.
Jain monks take five main vows: ahiṃsā; non-violence, satya;
truth, asteya; not stealing, brahmacharya; chastity, and
aparigraha; non-possessiveness. These principles have affected Jain
culture in many ways, such as leading to a predominantly lacto-vegetarian
lifestyle. Parasparopagraho jīvānām; the function of souls is to help one
another, is the faith's motto, and the Namokar Mantra is its most common
and strongest prayer.
My Icon: A little bone statue I found in India. |