Jainism

Question 1

Jainism

Answer 1

• Only 6 million adherents, influential in the culture of India
• Jains have the highest percentage of literacy
• For historians of religion:
  MAHAVIRA (6th cent. BCE) is the founder.
  He rejected the Hindu religion of the Brahmins
• For Jains:
  Jainism/the world have no begin. Mahavira revitalized it as the 24th
  Tirthankara (ford finder) or teacher of truth

Question 2

Founder and Denominations

Answer 2

• Mahavira grew up in luxury and married but rejected it all to become an ascetic monk (similar to the Buddha)
• Became a jina (conqueror)

Monk Groups:

• Svetambaras: accept women as nuns, “white clad”
• Digambaras: reject women, naked

Question 3

Core Teachings

Answer 3

• Karma, Samsara and Liberation
• Karma is matter that weighs you down
• Liberation is fully self-attained as jinas
  There is no divine help, the goal is the perfect application of key Jain principles
• AHIMSA: non-violence, non-injury toward any living being
• ASCETICISM: detachment from things, places and people
• NONABSOLUTISM: since we are blinded by matter all present knowledge is transient

Question 4

A demanding religion

Answer 4

• Born as a “monastic” religion
• The five vows of a Jain monk
  
  1. Ahimsa
  2. Truthfulness
  3. Not stealing
  4. Sexual purity
  5. Non-attachment
• Jain lay members have 12 vows, not as strict Monks and lay members assist each other

Question 5

Practices

Answer 5

• Worship of Tirthankaras
  (gratitude, NOT petition for salvation)
• Paryushan:
  Beginning of rainy season, eight day period dedicated to recitation, confession & forgiveness

Question 6

Jain Symbols

Answer 6