Jain Traditions Flashcards
What is the origin of Jain traditions?
Possibly rooted in indigenous culture before the Aryan and Vedic age.
Are Jains part of the early Vedic traditions?
No, Jainism is not part of early Vedic traditions , but it is related to Upanisadic traditions.
Who is Mahavira in Janism?
Mahavira is the 24th and last Tirthankara, born around 399 BCE near present-day Patna.
What is the Parsva in Jainism?
Parsva was the 23rd Tirthankara and spiritual influence on Mahavira, who began following Parsva’s path at age 28.
What is Shramana tradition?
A movement including ascetic practices, separate from Vedic traditions, influencing Jainism and Buddhism.
What are the five auspicious events(pana kalyanka) in Mahavira’s life?
Conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment and final release.
What vows did Mahavira take upon renunciation?
He renounced all wealth, property, and family, took a vow to neglect his body, and eventually abandoned all clothing.
What is kevala-jnana?
Kevala-jnana is the state of omniscience achieved by Mahavira, marking him as a Tirthankara.
What is a Tirthankara?
A Tirthankara is a “builder of the ford”, a being who has achieved enlightenment and provides spiritual guidance in Jainism.
How many Tirthankaras are there in Jainism?
There are 24 Tirthankaras, with Mahavira being the last in the current age.
What does “Jina” mean?
“Jina” means Conqueror or “Spiritual Victor”, referring to one who has conquered inner passions such as desire and hatred.
At what age did Mahavira renounce his household life?
At age 30.
What is Mahavira’s given name?
Vardhamana, which means “one with increasing prosperity.”
What scripture describes Mahavira’s ascetic practices?
The Acharanga Sutra
What did Mahavira practices after his renunciation?
He practiced extreme ascetism, including fasting, self-discipline, and enduring hardship without attachment.
What does Tirthankara imply in Jain philosophy?
It implied a person who creates a path(ford) across the river of rebirth, helping others achieve liberation.
What is the goal of a Tirthankara’s teachings?
To lead followers towards self-realization and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
How did Mahavira’s parents influence his spirutal path?
They were followers of Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, whose path Mahavira continued.
What is the meaning of “sramana” in Jainism?
It is the cycle of birth , death, and rebirth that Jain teachings aim to transcend.
What does the term “sramana” refer to?
It refers to an ascetic or renunciate who seeks spiritual liberation through self-discipline and meditation, a tradition including both Jain and Buddhist practices.
Who are the “Jains” in the context of Jain tradition?
Followers of Jinas or “Conquerors” enlighted beings like Tirthankara who have achieved liberation.
What role did Mahavira play after achieving omniscience?
He became a leader of a community of monks, nuns and lay followers.
What is significant about the 24 Tirthankara in Jain cosmic age?
They appear whenever humanity needs a spiritual guide to offer a new religious vision.
What is the concept of “nirvana” in Jainism?
Nirvana is the ultimate liberation from samsara, achieved through purification and detachment .
How did Mahavira practice non-violence(ahimsa) in his ascetic life?
He was cautious of his actions, speech, and thoughts to avoid harm to any living beings.
What physical practice did Mahavira endure to renounce vanity?
He tore out his hair in five handfuls, symbolizing his commitment to asceticism.
How are Tīrthaṅkaras recognized within their lifetime according to Jain beliefs?
They are acknowledged as spiritual guides with extraordinary knowledge and discipline, leading others on the path to liberation.
What does the term “Kevala Jnana” signify?
It signifies complete knowledge or omniscience, achieved by Mahāvīra after rigorous asceticism.
Why did Mahāvīra give up his final cloth?
To fully renounce material attachments and embrace complete asceticism.
What significance do Harappan seals hold in the study of Jainism?
They suggest early signs of ascetic practices in the Indus Valley, possibly linked to the roots of Jain tradition.
What is the “soul” (jiva) in Jainism?
It is an individual, eternal entity, weighed down by karma, preventing it from ascending to blissful realms after death.
What are the 4 kashayas (passions) in Jainism?
Anger (krodha), greed (lobha), pride (mana), and deceit (maya), which lead to attachment and karmic accumulation.
What is moksha in Jainism?
Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through nonviolence (ahimsa) and ascetic practices (tapas) to eliminate karma.
What are the 5 fundamental building blocks of reality in Jain cosmology?
Jiva (soul), ajiva (non-soul matter), dharma (motion medium), adharma (rest medium), and akasha (space).
How is karma viewed in Jain philosophy?
As a physical substance that bonds to the soul through actions influenced by passions, with good (punya) and bad (paap) particles.
What are the “Three Jewels” of Jain practice?
Right Faith (samyak darshana), Right Knowledge (samyak jnana), and Right Conduct (samyak caritra).
What is ahimsa, one of the 5 great vows (Maha-vratas) in Jainism?
Nonviolence, avoiding harm to any living being, which helps prevent new karma from forming.
What does aparigraha, a great vow in Jainism, mean?
Non-attachment, going beyond non-possession to eliminate desires and thoughts of material possessions.
What is the Jain loka (universe)?
An eternal and uncreated space containing liberated souls, heavenly beings, humans, animals, and hellish beings in different realms.
Who was Chandragupta Maurya in relation to Jain history?
The first emperor of the Mauryan Empire who supported the Jain community.
What led to the schism in the Jain tradition?
Debates over canonical texts and geographic separation led to a division around the 200s BCE.
How does Jainism view the beginning and end of the universe?
The universe has no beginning or end and does not rely on creation by deities.
What is Siddhashila or Siddha-loka in Jain cosmology?
The realm of liberated souls who have escaped the cycle of rebirth.
Who was Ṛṣabha, and what was his role?
The first Tīrthaṅkara of this age, a cultural hero who introduced practices like marriage and agriculture.
What does samvara mean in Jain karma theory?
The blockage of karma inflow through physical and mental self-control.
What does asrava refer to in Jain philosophy?
The inflow of karma into the soul, leading to its bondage.
What is the relationship between kashayas and karma?
Kashayas act as a “glue” allowing karma to adhere to the soul.
How many categories and subcategories of karma exist in Jain thought?
8 categories and 184 subcategories of karma.
How does Jainism categorize life forms?
Life forms are categorized by sensory abilities: from one-sense (touch) beings like plants to five-sense beings like humans and animals.
What is the role of an ascetic’s speech in Jain practice?
Speech should always be truthful and non-harmful, with some ascetics choosing silence to avoid harm through words.
What are the components of Jaina reality?
Jiva (souls) and Ajiva (material atoms), with every living being a combination of both.
What are the characteristics of Jiva in its pure state?
Omniscient knowledge, pure bliss, and unlimited energy.
How are Jivas categorized by their senses?
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).
What is the structure of the Jain universe?
The Jain universe is eternal and uncreated, consisting of loka (inhabited universe) and aloka (empty space).
Describe the shape and measurements of the Jain universe.
The universe resembles a standing person and measures 14 rajjus from top to bottom, with varying width.
What is Jambūdvīpa in Jain cosmology?
It is the central region of the middle world, divided into seven zones, including karma bhumi, where Tīrthaṅkaras are born.
What is karma bhumi in Jain cosmology?
Zones where Tīrthaṅkaras are born, religion exists, and liberation is possible.
Where do humans reside in Jain cosmology?
Humans live in Jambūdvīpa, Dhataki khanda, and half of Puskaradvipa within the middle world.
What is akarma bhumi in Jain cosmology?
Zones with no Tīrthaṅkaras, no religion, and where liberation is not possible.
What are the six universal substances in Jainism?
Soul (Jiva), matter (Ajiva), space (Akasha), time (Kala), dynamic medium (Dharmastikaya), and stationary medium (Adharmastikaya).
What does Samvara mean in Jainism?
It refers to the blockage of karma’s inflow through physical and psychic discipline.
What is Asrava in Jain karma theory?
The inflow of karma into the soul, contributing to its bondage.
What is the purpose of the five great vows (Maha-vratas) in Jainism?
To check the flow of karma through nonviolence, non-stealing, sexual purity, truthfulness, and non-possession.
How is truthfulness (satya) practiced in Jainism?
Speech must always be positive and non-harmful, closely related to the principle of ahimsa.
What is the significance of sexual purity (brahmacharya) in Jainism?
Ascetics avoid all sexual thoughts and actions, while laypeople avoid such activities outside of marriage.
What is the concept of non-attachment (aparigraha) in Jainism?
It is the complete elimination of desires and attitudes that give rise to possessiveness.
Who was Mahavira in Jain tradition?
The 24th and final Jina of the current world cycle, following Tīrthaṅkara Parsva.
What role did Chandragupta Maurya play in Jain history?
He supported the Jain community as the first emperor of the Mauryan Empire.
What led to the early schism in Jainism?
Disputes over canonical texts and the spread of Jainism across different regions in the 200s BCE.
What does loka represent in Jain cosmology?
Loka is the inhabited universe, including realms for liberated souls, heavenly beings, humans, and animals.
What are the sectarian divisions in Jainism?
The main sects are the Digambaras (“sky-clad”) and Svetambaras (“white-clad”).
What caused the division between Digambaras and Svetambaras?
Disputes over ascetic practices, such as nudity, and whether possessions prevent true renunciation.
What is the Digambara view on clothing?
Digambaras practice total nudity, believing even a loin cloth is an attachment.
What distinguishes the Svetambara sect?
They wear white clothing and view Mahavira’s nudity as optional, not mandatory.
How did the Svetambaras adapt their practices?
They allow clothing and developed a separate canon from the Digambaras, including image veneration.
What is the ritual of sallekhana in Jainism?
A voluntary fast unto death, undertaken as a form of spiritual purification and non-violence.
How do Svetambaras view women and moksha?
They believe women are capable of achieving moksha, differing from the Digambara perspective.
How is sallekhana viewed in Jain practice?
It is not considered suicide but an ideal form of death embraced by both ascetics and laypeople.
What are the common practices in Jain spiritual discipline?
Meditation, idol worship of Tirthankaras, bowing to gurus, self-examination, and mantra recitation.
Why is meditation important in Jainism?
It helps achieve balance and a passionless state, allowing one to experience the pure soul.
What is the purpose of worshiping Tirthankara idols in Jainism?
It allows followers to imbibe the qualities of Tirthankaras and draw inspiration from them.
How is humility practiced in Jainism?
Through bowing down to gurus and constant self-reflection.
What is “turning back” in Jain practice?
It is the discipline of refraining from places or thoughts that are spiritually harmful.
Why is truthfulness (satya) crucial in Jain ethics?
It ensures that speech is positive and non-harmful, aligning closely with the principle of ahimsa.
How does the Jain vow of non-possession (aparigraha) go beyond physical items?
It aims to eliminate thoughts and attitudes that lead to desires and attachments.
Who convened the First Jain Council, and why?
The council convened about 200 years after Mahavira’s death in Pataliputra to address doctrinal issues.
What is the significance of the First Jain Council?
It led to the formal division between the Digambara and Svetambara sects.
How do the Digambaras interpret Mahavira’s teachings on nudity?
They follow Mahavira’s example of total nudity as an essential practice of non-attachment.
What additional practices do Svetambara monks incorporate?
They wear masks and carry brooms to avoid harm to minuscule beings, emphasizing non-violence.
How do Digambaras and Svetambaras differ in scripture?
Each sect developed its own canon due to geographic and doctrinal differences.
What is sallekhana in Jainism?
It is a ritual of fasting unto death, practiced by both ascetics and laypeople as a form of spiritual purification and restraint from violence.
How is sallekhana viewed in Jainism?
It is regarded as an ideal form of death (paṇḍitamarana) and not as suicide.
Why do Jains worship images of the Jinas?
Images aid in meditation, provide behavioral models, and help lay followers connect spiritually.
How are the Jinas represented in Jain imagery?
They are depicted as perfect beings with auspicious features such as a halo and shri-vatsa, never sweating or getting dirty.
What is the significance of the Namaskara Mantra in Jainism?
It is a fivefold praise to Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, believed to destroy sinful karmas.
What are some key rites in the veneration of Jina images?
Homage, prostration, recitation of hymns, and specific postures such as the five-limbed prostration.
Describe the Namaskara Mantra’s function.
It is a powerful prayer that promotes humility and purification by honoring enlightened beings and teachers.
What are common offerings in Jain puja?
Offerings include washing the image, applying sandalwood, and presenting flowers and fruit.
What is the Jain prayer of forgiveness in Pratikramana?
“I forgive all living beings, Let all living beings forgive me; All in this world are my friends, I have no enemies.”
What is Shravanabelagola?
A Jain pilgrimage site in Karnataka, India, featuring a 17-meter-high monolithic statue of Bahubali.
Why is the statue of Bahubali significant?
It is considered the largest monolithic statue in the world and symbolizes Jain ideals of renunciation and inner strength.
What purpose do images serve in Jain worship?
They serve as spiritual reminders of Jina qualities and assist devotees in focusing during meditation and rituals.
How is the body of a Jina symbolically depicted?
It represents perfection, with features like cool breath, a milk-colored blood hue, and an idealized, blemish-free form.
How does the Jain community view non-violence in the context of sallekhana?
Sallekhana is considered an ultimate form of non-violence, where the practitioner refrains from all forms of harm, including self-harm.
What actions are involved in the Jain puja of washing images?
Devotees carefully wash the Jina image as an act of devotion and purification
What is Ahimsa in Jainism?
The principle of harmlessness, central to Jain ethical practice.
What is a Sramana in Jainism?
A “wanderer” or renunciate who seeks spiritual liberation through ascetic practices.
What does hagiography refer to in Jainism?
A biography of a saint, such as the stories about the lives of Tirthankaras.
What is Kevala-jnana?
Omniscience or “unique knowledge,” the ultimate knowledge attained by Tirthankaras.
Who is Parsva in Jainism?
The 23rd Tirthankara, who preceded Mahavira and influenced Jain practices.
What is the significance of the Swastika in Jainism?
A symbol representing the four realms of existence: heavenly beings, humans, animals/plants, and hellish beings.
Define Tirthankara.
A “ford builder” who creates a path for others to cross the river of rebirth to liberation.
What are the Angas and Upangas?
The Angas are the primary scriptures, and the Upangas are supplementary texts in Jain literature
What does Jina mean in Jainism?
“Spiritual victor,” referring to someone who has conquered inner passions like desire and hatred.
What is the Kalpa Sutra?
A Jain scripture that includes the life stories of Tirthankaras, including Mahavira.
Define Jiva.
The soul or life force, which is eternal and seeks liberation in Jain philosophy.
Define Ajiva.
Non-soul or material substances, which are part of the physical world and distinct from Jiva.
What is Karma in Jainism?
A physical substance that adheres to the soul due to actions, affecting rebirth and liberation.
What is Asrava in Jainism?
The influx of karmic matter into the soul, causing bondage.
Who are the Digambaras?
The “sky-clad” sect, whose monks practice nudity as a form of non-attachment.
Who are the Svetambaras?
The “white-clad” sect, who wear white garments and believe clothing does not prevent liberation.
What is Loka in Jain cosmology?
The inhabited universe where souls exist in different realms.
What is Jambūdvīpa?
The central continent in Jain cosmology, where humans and Tirthankaras are found.
What are Nigoda beings?
Microorganisms with the lowest form of life in Jain cosmology.
What are the Three Jewels of Jainism?
Right Knowledge (samyak jnana), Right Faith (samyak darsana), and Right Conduct (samyak caritra).
What is Samvara in Jain philosophy?
The blockage of karmic matter to prevent new karma from binding to the soul.
What are the Five Great Vows in Jainism?
Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacarya (sexual purity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
What is Sallekhana?
The ritual of fasting unto death, undertaken voluntarily to shed karma and achieve purity.
What is Pandita-marana?
The ideal death in Jainism, achieved through practices like sallekhana.
Who is Rsabha?
The first Tirthankara, regarded as a cultural hero in Jain tradition.
Who is Malli?
A Tirthankara, unique for being the only female Tirthankara in Jain tradition.
What is Puja in Jainism?
Ritual worship, often involving offerings to images of Tirthankaras.
What is a Murti in Jainism?
An image or idol representing a Tirthankara used in worship.
What is Onkara?
A symbol used in Jainism, often representing the concept of Om or the soul.
What is Anekanta in Jain philosophy?
The principle of manifold aspects, recognizing multiple perspectives and truths.
What is Caturmas in Jain practice?
The four-month monsoon period when monks remain in one location and intensify their practices.
What is Dipavali for Jains?
A festival celebrated as the day Mahavira attained liberation (moksha).
What is Ardhamagadhi?
An ancient Prakrit language, used in Jain scriptures.
Who was Candragupta Maurya in relation to Jainism?
The first Mauryan emperor who later became a Jain monk.
What is Pratikramana?
A ritual of repentance in Jainism, involving reflection and forgiveness.
What is the Namaskara Mantra?
A revered Jain mantra that honors five categories of spiritual beings.
What is Mahamastabhiseka?
The grand head anointing ceremony for large Jain statues, such as the one of Bahubali.
Who are Yaksa/Yaksi in Jainism?
Celestial beings often depicted as attendants to the Tirthankaras.
