WorldWorldReligionsReligions

JainismJainism

OverviewOverview

• Began by a man—later called Mahavira Began by a man—later called Mahavira by his disciples—as a protest within by his disciples—as a protest within Hinduism in the 6Hinduism in the 6thth century BC century BC

• Mahavira was believed to be the last Mahavira was believed to be the last “Tirthankara” (bridge builder between life “Tirthankara” (bridge builder between life and nirvana)and nirvana)

• Grew unhappy with his life of wealth and Grew unhappy with his life of wealth and privilege, left his family, tore out his hair privilege, left his family, tore out his hair by hand, and joined the asceticsby hand, and joined the ascetics

• The ascetics he found were not severe enough, The ascetics he found were not severe enough, so he became more rigorousso he became more rigorous– Never stayed more than one night in any one placeNever stayed more than one night in any one place

– As an adherent of “Ahimsa” (non-injury to life), he stayed As an adherent of “Ahimsa” (non-injury to life), he stayed off the road in rainy season to avoid stepping on insects. off the road in rainy season to avoid stepping on insects. During the dry season he swept the road before him for During the dry season he swept the road before him for the same reasonthe same reason

– Strained all water to keep from swallowing insectsStrained all water to keep from swallowing insects

– Begged for food, refused to eat raw food, and preferred Begged for food, refused to eat raw food, and preferred what was left over from someone else’s mealwhat was left over from someone else’s meal

– When dogs were set on him, he allowed himself to be When dogs were set on him, he allowed himself to be bittenbitten

– Always went about nakedAlways went about naked

OverviewOverview

• After 12 years of this lifestyle, he achieved mokshaAfter 12 years of this lifestyle, he achieved moksha• Regarded by his followers as a “Jain” (conqueror) Regarded by his followers as a “Jain” (conqueror)

because he heroically conquered the forces of life. Died because he heroically conquered the forces of life. Died at the age of 72at the age of 72

• ““Agamas”, or precepts, (Jain Scriptures) are believed to Agamas”, or precepts, (Jain Scriptures) are believed to be the actual sermons of Mahavirabe the actual sermons of Mahavira

• By 80 AD there was division over true meaning of By 80 AD there was division over true meaning of JainismJainism– Svetambra Svetambra (white clad) reject nudity, believe women can find (white clad) reject nudity, believe women can find

moksha and allow them into monasteriesmoksha and allow them into monasteries

– GigambaraGigambara (sky clad) conservative, accept nudity (total nudity (sky clad) conservative, accept nudity (total nudity reserved for most holy), women cannot achieve moksha and reserved for most holy), women cannot achieve moksha and cannot enter temples or monasteries. Mostly found in cannot enter temples or monasteries. Mostly found in southern Indiasouthern India

OverviewOverview

Basic Philosophical World ViewBasic Philosophical World View

Dualism. All souls are encased in matter. As long as the soul is so encased, it is in bondage.

The goal is to liberate the soul from matter. Because the world is a dualism, we must avoid the flesh. This must be done by the individual, so gods are of little consequence. Prayer and

worship are useless.

OverviewOverview

Five Vows of Jain MonksFive Vows of Jain Monks

• Non-injury to all life, “Ahimsa”Non-injury to all life, “Ahimsa” (vegetarian and (vegetarian and avoid leather)avoid leather)

• Always speak the truthAlways speak the truth (often their search for (often their search for truth leads to the view that truth is relative rather truth leads to the view that truth is relative rather than absolute)than absolute)

• Take nothing that does not belong to themTake nothing that does not belong to them

• Renounce all sexual pleasuresRenounce all sexual pleasures (Mahavira (Mahavira renounced women altogether)renounced women altogether)

• Renounce all attachmentsRenounce all attachments (true Jains must (true Jains must renounce their families)renounce their families)

All five vows must be kept by All five vows must be kept by monks. First three must be kept by monks. First three must be kept by

all Jains. A Jain layperson may all Jains. A Jain layperson may marry and have a family, marry and have a family,

understanding that this is not the understanding that this is not the ideal life, and moksha will not be ideal life, and moksha will not be

experienced this time around.experienced this time around.

Five Vows of Jain MonksFive Vows of Jain Monks