Jainism Flashcards
What is Jiva?
the life giving spirit. can accrue karma.
“Jiva” means….
to breathe (sanskrit)
What is Ajiva?
nonliving matter. experiences no pleasure, pain, birth, or death. CANNOT accumulate karma.
Hierarchy of Jiva
- humans
- animals
- plants
- microscopic life forms
Explain Karma
Karma is an actual substance which sticks to ones jiva and built up through negativity in this world.
How is Karma reduced and eliminated?
Through reincarnations.
The focus of Jainism is on…
moral behavior and not individual action
Ascetic
to do without
“jina”
conqueror or victor
celibacy
not having sex
chastity
not wanting to have sex
Jainism splinters off of…
hinduism
Jainism is _____ affirming but ______ denying
Jainism is life affirming but world denying
What is the ultimate goal of Jainism?
to release the soul from the round of rebirth and liberate jiva from matter
What is the ultimate goal of Jainism?
to release the soul from the round of rebirth (moksha) and liberate jiva from matter therefore becoming Jina.
How many Tirthankarad where there?
24
Parsva was the _____ Tirthankara.
23rd
Where was Parsva born?
in Banaras
At what age did Parsva renounce world pleasures and begin a life of austerity?
age 30
At what age did Parsva renounce world pleasures and begin a life of austerity?
age 30
The name Mahavira means…
Great Hero
Mahavira is known as the…
Reformer
Mahavira existed during the…
Axial Age
Mahavira was the ____ and ____ Tirthankarad.
24th and final
What is the birth story of Mahavira?
His mother did not feel discomfort and his birth was painless.
Mahavira is a contemporary of _________.
Buddha
Parsva was married to…
the daughter of a king.
Mahavira renounced at age…
30.
How did Mahavira become “Jina”?
he spent 12 years as an ascetic renunciant
Mahavira died around…
527 BCE
What is Ishatpragbhara?
The realm of bliss beyond life and death
Who is Jina?
an enlightened being who has conquered material existance and recieved Moksha
Jains view the universe as…
eternal and uncreated
Jains reject…
supreme beings or creative spirits
Karma sticks to your Jiva for ___________.
All of your reincarnations.
What are the three basic principles of Jainism/spiritual discipline?
- ahimsa
- aparigraha
- anekantwad
Ahimsa
non-injury or violence of any living being (aka anything with Jiva)
Aparigraha
non attachment to things or people
Anekantwad
nonhatred/non absolutism. do not assume that there is one truth or one path to the truth
What is Ascetisicm?
a monastic life, detached from this world and society.
Jain ascetics will practice the basic principles to a greater degree than…
lay Jains
Most Jains practice what diet?
Vegetarian/vegan
The fruititarian diet results in the least karma. Why?
because fruit falls naturally from the tree
Why is there dietary restrictions on some root veggies?
because the plant cannot go without the root
Why does honey produce Karma?
it is being taken from the bees
Do eggs produce Karma?
only if they are fertilized
What are the two sects of monastic jainism?
Digambaras and Svetambaras.
Classify Digambaras
more conservative, men, who own as little as possible (maybe a bowl and feather duster only. not even clothes).
chastity vow
nomadic
they believe that Mahavara DID NOT MARRY
Digambaras believe that womens bodies are naturally more…
karma accruing
Classify Svetambaras
liberal. women and men who wear white ropes and face masks.
chastity vow
live in communities
volunteers will do their karma chores for them
Describe Lay Jains
- householders
- minimalists
- often work in business, trade, etc
- usually vegan (avoid animal products except milk in some cases)
Lay Jains do NOT expect to…
receive Moksha in this lifetime
The 5 “Great Vows” taken by all Monastic Jains
- Ahimsa
- Satya
- Achaurya
- Brahmacharya
- Aparigraha
Ahimsa
committing to reducing the suffering one causes on earth
Satya
tell the truth. do not lie.
Achaurya
do not steal, including taking beyond what you need
Brahmacharya
celibacy and chastity
Aparigraha
non attachment and non possessiveness of goods
How many vows do Lay Jains have?
- 12 vows (the 5 monastic vows plus 7 more)
- intended to guide life in this world
What is Sallekhana?
Sallekhana is self starvation which is encouraged to get rid of earthly goods and take a vow of non-attachment when approaching death
What are the 4 occasions when Sallekhana is deemed okay?
- Terminal Illness
- Old Age
- Injury that will eventually cause death
- In instances of famine or drought
Lay Jain holy days
- Mahavir Jayanti - birth of Mahavira
- Paryushana Parva - 8 days of daily fasting and reflection
- Mahavir Nirvah - HELP
Is Jainism cosmological or transcendental?
TRANSCENDENTAL because:
- humans are above nature according the the “Jiva hierarchy”
- Anthropological (VIA Aparigraha)
- Soul (Jiva)
Ghandi’s full name is…
Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi is known as the…
Mahatma, meaning great soul
