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RELS 203 > Jain Traditions > Flashcards

Jain Traditions Flashcards

1
Q

What is the origin of Jain traditions?

A

Possibly rooted in indigenous culture before the Aryan and Vedic age.

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2
Q

Are Jains part of the early Vedic traditions?

A

No, Jainism is not part of early Vedic traditions , but it is related to Upanisadic traditions.

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3
Q

Who is Mahavira in Janism?

A

Mahavira is the 24th and last Tirthankara, born around 399 BCE near present-day Patna.

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4
Q

What is the Parsva in Jainism?

A

Parsva was the 23rd Tirthankara and spiritual influence on Mahavira, who began following Parsva’s path at age 28.

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4
Q

What is Shramana tradition?

A

A movement including ascetic practices, separate from Vedic traditions, influencing Jainism and Buddhism.

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5
Q

What are the five auspicious events(pana kalyanka) in Mahavira’s life?

A

Conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and final release.

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6
Q

What vows did Mahavira take upon renunciation?

A

He renounced all wealth, property, and family, took a vow to neglect his body, and eventually abandoned all clothing.

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7
Q

What is kevala-jnana?

A

Kevala-jnana is the state of omniscience achieved by Mahavira, marking him as a Tirthankara.

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8
Q

What is a Tirthankara?

A

A Tirthankara is a “builder of the ford”, a being who has achieved enlightenment and provides spiritual guidance in Jainism.

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9
Q

How many Tirthankaras are there in Jainism?

A

There are 24 Tirthankaras, with Mahavira being the last in the current age.

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10
Q

What does “Jina” mean?

A

“Jina” means Conqueror or “Spiritual Victor”, referring to one who has conquered inner passions such as desire and hatred.

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11
Q

At what age did Mahavira renounce his household life?

A

At age 30.

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11
Q

What is Mahavira’s given name?

A

Vardhamana, which means “one with increasing prosperity.”

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12
Q

What scripture describes Mahavira’s ascetic practices?

A

The Acharanga Sutra

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13
Q

What did Mahavira practices after his renunciation?

A

He practiced extreme ascetism, including fasting, self-discipline, and enduring hardship without attachment.

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14
Q

What does Tirthankara imply in Jain philosophy?

A

It implied a person who creates a path(ford) across the river of rebirth, helping others achieve liberation.

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15
Q

What is the goal of a Tirthankara’s teachings?

A

To lead followers towards self-realization and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

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16
Q

How did Mahavira’s parents influence his spirutal path?

A

They were followers of Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, whose path Mahavira continued.

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17
Q

What is the meaning of “sramana” in Jainism?

A

It is the cycle of birth , death, and rebirth that Jain teachings aim to transcend.

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18
Q

What does the term “sramana” refer to?

A

It refers to an ascetic or renunciate who seeks spiritual liberation through self-discipline and meditation, a tradition including both Jain and Buddhist practices.

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19
Q

Who are the “Jains” in the context of Jain tradition?

A

Followers of Jinas or “Conquerors” enlighted beings like Tirthankara who have achieved liberation.

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19
Q

What role did Mahavira play after achieving omniscience?

A

He became a leader of a community of monks, nuns and lay followers.

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20
Q

What is significant about the 24 Tirthankara in Jain cosmic age?

A

They appear whenever humanity needs a spiritual guide to offer a new religious vision.

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21
Q

What is the concept of “nirvana” in Jainism?

A

Nirvana is the ultimate liberation from samsara, achieved through purification and detachment .

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21
Q

How did Mahavira practice non-violence(ahimsa) in his ascetic life?

A

He was cautious of his actions, speech, and thoughts to avoid harm to any living beings.

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22
Q

What physical practice did Mahavira endure to renounce vanity?

A

He tore out his hair in five handfuls, symbolizing his commitment to asceticism.

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23
Q

How are Tīrthaṅkaras recognized within their lifetime according to Jain beliefs?

A

They are acknowledged as spiritual guides with extraordinary knowledge and discipline, leading others on the path to liberation.

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24
Q

What does the term “Kevala Jnana” signify?

A

It signifies complete knowledge or omniscience, achieved by Mahāvīra after rigorous asceticism.

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25
Q

Why did Mahāvīra give up his final cloth?

A

To fully renounce material attachments and embrace complete asceticism.

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26
Q

What significance do Harappan seals hold in the study of Jainism?

A

They suggest early signs of ascetic practices in the Indus Valley, possibly linked to the roots of Jain tradition.

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27
Q

What is the “soul” (jiva) in Jainism?

A

It is an individual, eternal entity, weighed down by karma, preventing it from ascending to blissful realms after death.

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28
Q

What are the 4 kashayas (passions) in Jainism?

A

Anger (krodha), greed (lobha), pride (mana), and deceit (maya), which lead to attachment and karmic accumulation.

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28
Q

What is moksha in Jainism?

A

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through nonviolence (ahimsa) and ascetic practices (tapas) to eliminate karma.

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29
Q

What are the 5 fundamental building blocks of reality in Jain cosmology?

A

Jiva (soul), ajiva (non-soul matter), dharma (motion medium), adharma (rest medium), and akasha (space).

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30
Q

How is karma viewed in Jain philosophy?

A

As a physical substance that bonds to the soul through actions influenced by passions, with good (punya) and bad (paap) particles.

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31
Q

What are the “Three Jewels” of Jain practice?

A

Right Faith (samyak darshana), Right Knowledge (samyak jnana), and Right Conduct (samyak caritra).

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32
Q

What is ahimsa, one of the 5 great vows (Maha-vratas) in Jainism?

A

Nonviolence, avoiding harm to any living being, which helps prevent new karma from forming.

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33
Q

What does aparigraha, a great vow in Jainism, mean?

A

Non-attachment, going beyond non-possession to eliminate desires and thoughts of material possessions.

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34
Q

What is the Jain loka (universe)?

A

An eternal and uncreated space containing liberated souls, heavenly beings, humans, animals, and hellish beings in different realms.

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35
Q

Who was Chandragupta Maurya in relation to Jain history?

A

The first emperor of the Mauryan Empire who supported the Jain community.

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36
Q

What led to the schism in the Jain tradition?

A

Debates over canonical texts and geographic separation led to a division around the 200s BCE.

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37
Q

How does Jainism view the beginning and end of the universe?

A

The universe has no beginning or end and does not rely on creation by deities.

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38
Q

What is Siddhashila or Siddha-loka in Jain cosmology?

A

The realm of liberated souls who have escaped the cycle of rebirth.

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39
Q

Who was Ṛṣabha, and what was his role?

A

The first Tīrthaṅkara of this age, a cultural hero who introduced practices like marriage and agriculture.

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40
Q

What does samvara mean in Jain karma theory?

A

The blockage of karma inflow through physical and mental self-control.

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41
Q

What does asrava refer to in Jain philosophy?

A

The inflow of karma into the soul, leading to its bondage.

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42
Q

What is the relationship between kashayas and karma?

A

Kashayas act as a “glue” allowing karma to adhere to the soul.

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43
Q

How many categories and subcategories of karma exist in Jain thought?

A

8 categories and 184 subcategories of karma.

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44
Q

How does Jainism categorize life forms?

A

Life forms are categorized by sensory abilities: from one-sense (touch) beings like plants to five-sense beings like humans and animals.

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45
Q

What is the role of an ascetic’s speech in Jain practice?

A

Speech should always be truthful and non-harmful, with some ascetics choosing silence to avoid harm through words.

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46
Q

What are the components of Jaina reality?

A

Jiva (souls) and Ajiva (material atoms), with every living being a combination of both.

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47
Q

What are the characteristics of Jiva in its pure state?

A

Omniscient knowledge, pure bliss, and unlimited energy.

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48
Q

How are Jivas categorized by their senses?

A

One-sense (touch), two-sense (touch & taste), three-sense (touch, taste & smell), four-sense (touch, taste, smell & sight), and five-sense beings (touch, taste, smell, sight & hearing).

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49
Q

What is the structure of the Jain universe?

A

The Jain universe is eternal and uncreated, consisting of loka (inhabited universe) and aloka (empty space).

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50
Q

Describe the shape and measurements of the Jain universe.

A

The universe resembles a standing person and measures 14 rajjus from top to bottom, with varying width.

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51
Q

What is Jambūdvīpa in Jain cosmology?

A

It is the central region of the middle world, divided into seven zones, including karma bhumi, where Tīrthaṅkaras are born.

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52
Q

What is karma bhumi in Jain cosmology?

A

Zones where Tīrthaṅkaras are born, religion exists, and liberation is possible.

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53
Q

Where do humans reside in Jain cosmology?

A

Humans live in Jambūdvīpa, Dhataki khanda, and half of Puskaradvipa within the middle world.

53
Q

What is akarma bhumi in Jain cosmology?

A

Zones with no Tīrthaṅkaras, no religion, and where liberation is not possible.

54
Q

What are the six universal substances in Jainism?

A

Soul (Jiva), matter (Ajiva), space (Akasha), time (Kala), dynamic medium (Dharmastikaya), and stationary medium (Adharmastikaya).

55
Q

What does Samvara mean in Jainism?

A

It refers to the blockage of karma’s inflow through physical and psychic discipline.

56
Q

What is Asrava in Jain karma theory?

A

The inflow of karma into the soul, contributing to its bondage.

57
Q

What is the purpose of the five great vows (Maha-vratas) in Jainism?

A

To check the flow of karma through nonviolence, non-stealing, sexual purity, truthfulness, and non-possession.

58
Q

How is truthfulness (satya) practiced in Jainism?

A

Speech must always be positive and non-harmful, closely related to the principle of ahimsa.

59
Q

What is the significance of sexual purity (brahmacharya) in Jainism?

A

Ascetics avoid all sexual thoughts and actions, while laypeople avoid such activities outside of marriage.

60
Q

What is the concept of non-attachment (aparigraha) in Jainism?

A

It is the complete elimination of desires and attitudes that give rise to possessiveness.

61
Q

Who was Mahavira in Jain tradition?

A

The 24th and final Jina of the current world cycle, following Tīrthaṅkara Parsva.

62
Q

What role did Chandragupta Maurya play in Jain history?

A

He supported the Jain community as the first emperor of the Mauryan Empire.

63
Q

What led to the early schism in Jainism?

A

Disputes over canonical texts and the spread of Jainism across different regions in the 200s BCE.

64
Q

What does loka represent in Jain cosmology?

A

Loka is the inhabited universe, including realms for liberated souls, heavenly beings, humans, and animals.

65
Q

What are the sectarian divisions in Jainism?

A

The main sects are the Digambaras (“sky-clad”) and Svetambaras (“white-clad”).

66
Q

What caused the division between Digambaras and Svetambaras?

A

Disputes over ascetic practices, such as nudity, and whether possessions prevent true renunciation.

67
Q

What is the Digambara view on clothing?

A

Digambaras practice total nudity, believing even a loin cloth is an attachment.

68
Q

What distinguishes the Svetambara sect?

A

They wear white clothing and view Mahavira’s nudity as optional, not mandatory.

69
Q

How did the Svetambaras adapt their practices?

A

They allow clothing and developed a separate canon from the Digambaras, including image veneration.

70
Q

What is the ritual of sallekhana in Jainism?

A

A voluntary fast unto death, undertaken as a form of spiritual purification and non-violence.

71
Q

How do Svetambaras view women and moksha?

A

They believe women are capable of achieving moksha, differing from the Digambara perspective.

72
Q

How is sallekhana viewed in Jain practice?

A

It is not considered suicide but an ideal form of death embraced by both ascetics and laypeople.

73
Q

What are the common practices in Jain spiritual discipline?

A

Meditation, idol worship of Tirthankaras, bowing to gurus, self-examination, and mantra recitation.

74
Q

Why is meditation important in Jainism?

A

It helps achieve balance and a passionless state, allowing one to experience the pure soul.

75
Q

What is the purpose of worshiping Tirthankara idols in Jainism?

A

It allows followers to imbibe the qualities of Tirthankaras and draw inspiration from them.

76
Q

How is humility practiced in Jainism?

A

Through bowing down to gurus and constant self-reflection.

77
Q

What is “turning back” in Jain practice?

A

It is the discipline of refraining from places or thoughts that are spiritually harmful.

78
Q

Why is truthfulness (satya) crucial in Jain ethics?

A

It ensures that speech is positive and non-harmful, aligning closely with the principle of ahimsa.

79
Q

How does the Jain vow of non-possession (aparigraha) go beyond physical items?

A

It aims to eliminate thoughts and attitudes that lead to desires and attachments.

80
Q

Who convened the First Jain Council, and why?

A

The council convened about 200 years after Mahavira’s death in Pataliputra to address doctrinal issues.

81
Q

What is the significance of the First Jain Council?

A

It led to the formal division between the Digambara and Svetambara sects.

82
Q

How do the Digambaras interpret Mahavira’s teachings on nudity?

A

They follow Mahavira’s example of total nudity as an essential practice of non-attachment.

83
Q

What additional practices do Svetambara monks incorporate?

A

They wear masks and carry brooms to avoid harm to minuscule beings, emphasizing non-violence.

84
Q

How do Digambaras and Svetambaras differ in scripture?

A

Each sect developed its own canon due to geographic and doctrinal differences.

85
Q

What is sallekhana in Jainism?

A

It is a ritual of fasting unto death, practiced by both ascetics and laypeople as a form of spiritual purification and restraint from violence.

86
Q

How is sallekhana viewed in Jainism?

A

It is regarded as an ideal form of death (paṇḍitamarana) and not as suicide.

87
Q

Why do Jains worship images of the Jinas?

A

Images aid in meditation, provide behavioral models, and help lay followers connect spiritually.

88
Q

How are the Jinas represented in Jain imagery?

A

They are depicted as perfect beings with auspicious features such as a halo and shri-vatsa, never sweating or getting dirty.

89
Q

What is the significance of the Namaskara Mantra in Jainism?

A

It is a fivefold praise to Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, believed to destroy sinful karmas.

90
Q

What are some key rites in the veneration of Jina images?

A

Homage, prostration, recitation of hymns, and specific postures such as the five-limbed prostration.

91
Q

Describe the Namaskara Mantra’s function.

A

It is a powerful prayer that promotes humility and purification by honoring enlightened beings and teachers.

92
Q

What are common offerings in Jain puja?

A

Offerings include washing the image, applying sandalwood, and presenting flowers and fruit.

93
Q

What is the Jain prayer of forgiveness in Pratikramana?

A

“I forgive all living beings, Let all living beings forgive me; All in this world are my friends, I have no enemies.”

93
Q

What is Shravanabelagola?

A

A Jain pilgrimage site in Karnataka, India, featuring a 17-meter-high monolithic statue of Bahubali.

94
Q

Why is the statue of Bahubali significant?

A

It is considered the largest monolithic statue in the world and symbolizes Jain ideals of renunciation and inner strength.

95
Q

What purpose do images serve in Jain worship?

A

They serve as spiritual reminders of Jina qualities and assist devotees in focusing during meditation and rituals.

96
Q

How is the body of a Jina symbolically depicted?

A

It represents perfection, with features like cool breath, a milk-colored blood hue, and an idealized, blemish-free form.

97
Q

How does the Jain community view non-violence in the context of sallekhana?

A

Sallekhana is considered an ultimate form of non-violence, where the practitioner refrains from all forms of harm, including self-harm.

98
Q

What actions are involved in the Jain puja of washing images?

A

Devotees carefully wash the Jina image as an act of devotion and purification

99
Q

What is Ahimsa in Jainism?

A

The principle of harmlessness, central to Jain ethical practice.

100
Q

What is a Sramana in Jainism?

A

A “wanderer” or renunciate who seeks spiritual liberation through ascetic practices.

101
Q

What does hagiography refer to in Jainism?

A

A biography of a saint, such as the stories about the lives of Tirthankaras.

102
Q

What is Kevala-jnana?

A

Omniscience or “unique knowledge,” the ultimate knowledge attained by Tirthankaras.

103
Q

Who is Parsva in Jainism?

A

The 23rd Tirthankara, who preceded Mahavira and influenced Jain practices.

104
Q

What is the significance of the Swastika in Jainism?

A

A symbol representing the four realms of existence: heavenly beings, humans, animals/plants, and hellish beings.

105
Q

Define Tirthankara.

A

A “ford builder” who creates a path for others to cross the river of rebirth to liberation.

106
Q

What are the Angas and Upangas?

A

The Angas are the primary scriptures, and the Upangas are supplementary texts in Jain literature

107
Q

What does Jina mean in Jainism?

A

“Spiritual victor,” referring to someone who has conquered inner passions like desire and hatred.

108
Q

What is the Kalpa Sutra?

A

A Jain scripture that includes the life stories of Tirthankaras, including Mahavira.

109
Q

Define Jiva.

A

The soul or life force, which is eternal and seeks liberation in Jain philosophy.

110
Q

Define Ajiva.

A

Non-soul or material substances, which are part of the physical world and distinct from Jiva.

111
Q

What is Karma in Jainism?

A

A physical substance that adheres to the soul due to actions, affecting rebirth and liberation.

112
Q

What is Asrava in Jainism?

A

The influx of karmic matter into the soul, causing bondage.

113
Q

Who are the Digambaras?

A

The “sky-clad” sect, whose monks practice nudity as a form of non-attachment.

114
Q

Who are the Svetambaras?

A

The “white-clad” sect, who wear white garments and believe clothing does not prevent liberation.

115
Q

What is Loka in Jain cosmology?

A

The inhabited universe where souls exist in different realms.

116
Q

What is Jambūdvīpa?

A

The central continent in Jain cosmology, where humans and Tirthankaras are found.

117
Q

What are Nigoda beings?

A

Microorganisms with the lowest form of life in Jain cosmology.

118
Q

What are the Three Jewels of Jainism?

A

Right Knowledge (samyak jnana), Right Faith (samyak darsana), and Right Conduct (samyak caritra).

119
Q

What is Samvara in Jain philosophy?

A

The blockage of karmic matter to prevent new karma from binding to the soul.

119
Q

What are the Five Great Vows in Jainism?

A

Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacarya (sexual purity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).

120
Q

What is Sallekhana?

A

The ritual of fasting unto death, undertaken voluntarily to shed karma and achieve purity.

121
Q

What is Pandita-marana?

A

The ideal death in Jainism, achieved through practices like sallekhana.

122
Q

Who is Rsabha?

A

The first Tirthankara, regarded as a cultural hero in Jain tradition.

123
Q

Who is Malli?

A

A Tirthankara, unique for being the only female Tirthankara in Jain tradition.

124
Q

What is Puja in Jainism?

A

Ritual worship, often involving offerings to images of Tirthankaras.

125
Q

What is a Murti in Jainism?

A

An image or idol representing a Tirthankara used in worship.

126
Q

What is Onkara?

A

A symbol used in Jainism, often representing the concept of Om or the soul.

127
Q

What is Anekanta in Jain philosophy?

A

The principle of manifold aspects, recognizing multiple perspectives and truths.

128
Q

What is Caturmas in Jain practice?

A

The four-month monsoon period when monks remain in one location and intensify their practices.

129
Q

What is Dipavali for Jains?

A

A festival celebrated as the day Mahavira attained liberation (moksha).

130
Q

What is Ardhamagadhi?

A

An ancient Prakrit language, used in Jain scriptures.

131
Q

Who was Candragupta Maurya in relation to Jainism?

A

The first Mauryan emperor who later became a Jain monk.

132
Q

What is Pratikramana?

A

A ritual of repentance in Jainism, involving reflection and forgiveness.

133
Q

What is the Namaskara Mantra?

A

A revered Jain mantra that honors five categories of spiritual beings.

133
Q

What is Mahamastabhiseka?

A

The grand head anointing ceremony for large Jain statues, such as the one of Bahubali.

134
Q

Who are Yaksa/Yaksi in Jainism?

A

Celestial beings often depicted as attendants to the Tirthankaras.

RELS 203 (6 decks)

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