Jainism Flashcards
What is ahimsa?
A doctrine of non-violence toward all living beings
What is asceticism?
The process of self-deprivation; denying oneself of food, clothing, cleansing, and pleasure in order to achieve a higher spiritual goal
what is atomism?
The belief that all aspects of nature, including atoms, possess a soul
what is the Digambaras?
The sky clad - a sect in Jainism which practises nudity
what is jina?
A conqueror; one who defeats his or her desires and achieves enlightenment
what is jiva?
The soul. Jains believe that both animate and inanimate beings have a soul
what is karma?
The law of cause and affect - for every action, there is a consequence
what is meditation?
The process of eliminating self-centred thinking and becoming united with the spirit that governs the universe
what is moksha?
The salvation from the cycle of rebirth
what is reincarnation?
the rebirth of a soul over many lives until it achieves release
what is sallekhana?
A holy ritual of gradual fasting to the point of death
what is sventembaras?
The white clad - a sect of Jainism in which monks wear white clothing
Who technically started Jainism?
Vardhamana Mahavira, one of the 24 holy teachers who came to teach the way of self-mastery
What did Mahavira’s birthplace have to do with the origin of Jainism?
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.
Why is Mahavira not considered a founder by Jains?
He is a jina, or a teacher/conqueror. He provided guidance to enlightenment
How did Mahavira embrace Jainism?
He accepted a life of asceticism and gave up all worldly possessions except for one piece of clothing. He also chose vegetarianism.
How did Mahavira achieve liberation?
After living a Jain life and becoming a conqueror, he died of gradual fasting.
What do monks do to practice ahimsa?
Sweep of seats before sitting, wear masks to avoid breathing in insects
What is Caturmas?
A four-month period when travel is restricted to avoid harming animal and insects
What are Jain ideas of reincarnation?
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.
What are the five practices of Jainism?
- non-violence/ahimsa
- truthfulness
- non-stealing
- celibacy
- non-possession
What do Jains think about truth?
There are no absolutes, all truths depend on the perspective from which they are observed.
What is the purpose of imagery in Jainism?
The mind reflects what is in front of it
Why was Jainism popular?
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)
What is the significance of flowers in Jainism?
In opening and spreading of the practice, people must open their hearts and spread the fragrance of themselves.
What is Loka?
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.
In Jainism how are beings classified?
Based on senses
What does the outline of the symbol represent?
It is defined as the universe, or the Lok
What does the lower part of the symbol represent?
The seven hells (Naraki).
What does the middle part of the symbol represent?
The Earth and the planets (Manushyalok)
What does the upper part of the symbol represent?
The heavenly abodes (Devlok) of the celestial beings and the abode of the Siddhas (Siddhashila)
What does the raised hand represent?
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.
What does the wheel in the hand represent?
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
What do the four arms of the swastika represent?
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.
What do the three dots represent?
The three jewels of Jainism: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct. We should have all three to achieve liberation.
What does Right Knowledge mean?
Knowing that the soul, not the body, achieves liberation
What does Right Faith mean?
Having faith in the guidance of the Jinas, who are omniscient.
What does Right Conduct mean?
Actions void of attachment and hatred
What does the curved arc represent?
The abode of Siddhas (Siddhashila), the final resting place of liberated souls
What does the lone dot represent?
A siddha. To achieve this state, one must destroy all attached karmas.
