Jainism

Question 1

What is ahimsa?

Answer 1

A doctrine of non-violence toward all living beings

Question 2

What is asceticism?

Answer 2

The process of self-deprivation; denying oneself of food, clothing, cleansing, and pleasure in order to achieve a higher spiritual goal

Question 3

what is atomism?

Answer 3

The belief that all aspects of nature, including atoms, possess a soul

Question 4

what is the Digambaras?

Answer 4

The sky clad - a sect in Jainism which practises nudity

Question 5

what is jina?

Answer 5

A conqueror; one who defeats his or her desires and achieves enlightenment

Question 6

what is jiva?

Answer 6

The soul. Jains believe that both animate and inanimate beings have a soul

Question 7

what is karma?

Answer 7

The law of cause and affect - for every action, there is a consequence

Question 8

what is meditation?

Answer 8

The process of eliminating self-centred thinking and becoming united with the spirit that governs the universe

Question 9

what is moksha?

Answer 9

The salvation from the cycle of rebirth

Question 10

what is reincarnation?

Answer 10

the rebirth of a soul over many lives until it achieves release

Question 11

what is sallekhana?

Answer 11

A holy ritual of gradual fasting to the point of death

Question 12

what is sventembaras?

Answer 12

The white clad - a sect of Jainism in which monks wear white clothing

Question 13

Who technically started Jainism?

Answer 13

Vardhamana Mahavira, one of the 24 holy teachers who came to teach the way of self-mastery

Question 14

What did Mahavira’s birthplace have to do with the origin of Jainism?

Answer 14

He was born in India, where Hinduism was the prominent religion. Mahavira accepted aspects of Hinduism, but wanted to change some things, so he created Jainism.

Question 15

Why is Mahavira not considered a founder by Jains?

Answer 15

He is a jina, or a teacher/conqueror. He provided guidance to enlightenment

Question 16

How did Mahavira embrace Jainism?

Answer 16

He accepted a life of asceticism and gave up all worldly possessions except for one piece of clothing. He also chose vegetarianism.

Question 17

How did Mahavira achieve liberation?

Answer 17

After living a Jain life and becoming a conqueror, he died of gradual fasting.

Question 18

What do monks do to practice ahimsa?

Answer 18

Sweep of seats before sitting, wear masks to avoid breathing in insects

Question 19

What is Caturmas?

Answer 19

A four-month period when travel is restricted to avoid harming animal and insects

Question 20

What are Jain ideas of reincarnation?

Answer 20

They believe that one has an eternal soul that is reborn into different bodies, and that the goal of this life is to repay karmic debt and achieve moksha or salvation.

Question 21

What are the five practices of Jainism?

Answer 21

1. non-violence/ahimsa
2. truthfulness
3. non-stealing
4. celibacy
5. non-possession

Question 22

What do Jains think about truth?

Answer 22

There are no absolutes, all truths depend on the perspective from which they are observed.

Question 23

What is the purpose of imagery in Jainism?

Answer 23

The mind reflects what is in front of it

Question 24

Why was Jainism popular?

Answer 24

It based on self-exploration and taking action yourself, a very natural state of being that is attractive to many who are controlled. It is very revolutionary.
Also an escape from the caste system (caste vs. equality)

Question 25

What is the significance of flowers in Jainism?

Answer 25

In opening and spreading of the practice, people must open their hearts and spread the fragrance of themselves.

Question 26

What is Loka?

Answer 26

A vast, infinite space, outside of which exists strong winds. It was neither created by anyone, nor can it be destroyed by anyone. It may change its form.

Question 27

In Jainism how are beings classified?

Answer 27

Based on senses

Question 28

What does the outline of the symbol represent?

Answer 28

It is defined as the universe, or the Lok

Question 29

What does the lower part of the symbol represent?

Answer 29

The seven hells (Naraki).

Question 30

What does the middle part of the symbol represent?

Answer 30

The Earth and the planets (Manushyalok)

Question 31

What does the upper part of the symbol represent?

Answer 31

The heavenly abodes (Devlok) of the celestial beings and the abode of the Siddhas (Siddhashila)

Question 32

What does the raised hand represent?

Answer 32

It means stop, representing Ahimsa (the word in the middle of the palm). It reminds us to stop and think twice and encourages us to avoid harming anything.

Question 33

What does the wheel in the hand represent?

Answer 33

It shows that if we aren’t careful, the wheel goes round and round and we will be trapped in the cycles of birth and death

Question 34

What do the four arms of the swastika represent?

Answer 34

They remind us that during the cycle, we could be reborn into any of the four destinies: heavenly, human, animal or hellish beings. Our aim should be liberation, not rebirth. We should become the four pillars of the swastika.

Question 35

What do the three dots represent?

Answer 35

The three jewels of Jainism: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct. We should have all three to achieve liberation.

Question 36

What does Right Knowledge mean?

Answer 36

Knowing that the soul, not the body, achieves liberation

Question 37

What does Right Faith mean?

Answer 37

Having faith in the guidance of the Jinas, who are omniscient.

Question 38

What does Right Conduct mean?

Answer 38

Actions void of attachment and hatred

Question 39

What does the curved arc represent?

Answer 39

The abode of Siddhas (Siddhashila), the final resting place of liberated souls

Question 40

What does the lone dot represent?

Answer 40

A siddha. To achieve this state, one must destroy all attached karmas.