Brief Introduction to Jainism

Author(s): Bipin Doshi
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Centre Promotion Trust
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006998/1

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A Brief Introduction to JATNISM Dr. Bipin Doshi Albert Einstein remarked that the eternal mystery of the world is its intelligibility. True religion fastens to this element of intelligibility and creates a system of thought and action which leads to true harmony and bliss. And it is indeed so with Jainism.

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Dr. Bipin Doshi is a Jain scholar teaching Jain philosophy at various academic and non academic forums. He has played vital role in establishing Jain chair at University of Mumbai where thousands of students are trained in systemic and analytical study of Jain tradition. Sponsor: Mr. Manish R. Shah Minority Cell All India Congress Committee(A.I.C.C.) National Vice Chairman Gujarati Cell of MRCC President Founder Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee CRESCITA Trustee Trustee Partner Director Director Director Director Jain International Organization(JIO) Aradhnadham-Old age home for senior citizens SNDT College Matunga, Mumbai Ritambhara College Juhu, Mumbai Amulakh Amichand Bhimji Vividhalakshi Vidyalaya BR Shah Ramwadi Banquet Hall Vardhaman Jain Sthanakvasi Upasaray, Matunga Zalawadi Jain Sangh, Jain Upashray Crescita Group JAMMS Stock Brokers Pvt Ltd Author Dr.Bipin Doshi MHM Properties Pvt.Ltd Mangal Credit FinCorp Ltd (BSE Listed) Himika Property & Developers Pvt.Ltd. GROUP Edition: Eighth, Lot No.: A008, Print Quantity: 4000 COPY RIGHTS ARE RESRVED Published By: JAIN ACADEMY EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE PROMOTION TRUST 102,Abhilasha Bldg.No.1, Punjabi Lane, Borivali (West). Mumbai 400092. Email: drbipindoshi@yahoo.com

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India At The Time of Tirthankar Mahaveer 6th Century BC, this was the time when civilization in India was not mature. The Gender discrimination, The Caste discrimination, Slavery, Worshiping numbers of Gods with so many rituals, Animal sacrifice in various religious ceremonies, Socio economic disparities etc. are few examples. Some Priests under the cover of vedic teachings twisted the rituals to exploit the common people for their selfish motives. The social fabric was fragmented and it was need of a time to have a bold reformer to raise voice against these powerful people who had resources, so called knowledge and the claim to have direct connections with God. Vedic Yagna Tirthankar Mahaveer (599-527 BC) Tirthankar Mahaveer revolted against these existing practices and tried to bring common man out of the clutches of dominant Brahmin caste. His thoughts on gender equality, equality of all irrespective of caste and equality of all living beings including animals and plants and his concept of selfpurification for eternal happiness attracted large followers. His most vital opposition was against animal sacrifice.

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21 Meaning of word "Jain" The word Jain is derived from "Jina", which means the one that is victorious over the selfpassions like anger, ego, deceit and greed. They are one having neither attachment nor hatred Ranakpur Jain Temple to anyone and devoid of any possession whatsoever. The followers of such Jinas are called Jains. Jainism is one of the oldest religion in the world. Jains traditionally trace their history through a succession of twenty-four propagators of their faith known as Tirthankaras with Rishabh as the first and Mahaveera as the last of the current era. Unlike many religions Jains don't have one God but they worship all 24 Tirthankaras. Jain Community There are around 6,000,000 + followers of Jainism with the majority population based in India with some diaspora population mainly in UK, Belgium, USA, East Africa, UAE and Australia. Though very small in population it is one of the wealthiest, educated and most influential community in India. Historically they have enjoyed the vital position as ministers and treasures in ancient Indian Kingdoms. Jains don't believe in religious conversion but wherever they have gone they have taken their philosophy and have influenced others about their doctrine. One can accept Jain religion by his own will and conduct without any formal rituals.

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How to achieve the perpetual happiness? Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigraha True happiness can be achieved by conquering all temptations and inner enemies such as anger, greed and pride by practicing non-attachment with the material world and by living peacefully disciplined lifestyle with equality and simplicity. Ahimsa There is unique emphasis on nonviolence or Ahimsa. Hence, the word Ahimsa is found on Jain symbol of the open palm meaning 'stop'. No hurting or pains to anyone in anyways. Although non-violence is a common practice in most religions, Jainism is unique in extending this principle to all living beings or Jivas on earth and interestingly Jains consider the microbes, insects, animals, plants and even the soil and water as living beings. Jain's thought of nonviolence specially to minimize the destruction of plant and animal kingdom has great beneficial effect on environment. In Jain tradition vows or rules to be observed by common person ( Male - Shravak And Female - Shravika ) and monk (Male - Sadhu and Female - Sadhvi ) in their daily life are prescribed with clarity focusing on principle of nonviolence. Jain Ellora Caves (2600 years back Jainism described microbes and life in plants)

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Vegetarianism LE Vegetarianism is a way of life for Jain, taking its origin in the concept of compassion for all living beings, Jivdaya. The practice of Vegetarianism is seen as an instrument for the practice of nonviolence and peaceful, cooperative coexistence. Jains are strict vegetarians, consuming only one-sensed beings, primarily from the plant kingdom. While Jain diet does, of course, involve harm to plants, it is regarded as bare minimum violence for survival. Many forms of plants, including roots and certain fruits, are also excluded from the Jain diet due to the greater number of living beings they contain owing to the environment in which they grow. Some Jains also support veganism, as the dairy products involve violence against cows and other animals. Strict followers do not eat after Sunset and drink only boiled water. Recent studies in health science have confirmed that many eating habits of Jains are beneficial to physical and mental health of individuals. They also do not use any products like leather, fur, cosmetics, silk etc. where insects or animals are killed in its manufacturing. "I adore so greatly the principles of the Jain religion that I would like to be reborn in a Jain community" George Bernard Shaw - 6

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Anekant and Aparigraha Tree Along with main principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), Jains also propagate the doctrines of Anekant, Spear theory of Non-Absolutism or the multiplicity of viewpoint; in practice respecting others views and the notion that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse point of views, and no single one of which is complete. Elephant with Six Blind People The other principle is Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness or Least possessiveness). Jainism emphasizes on taking no more than is truly necessary. Followers should minimize material possessions and limit attachment to current possessions. Wealth and possessions should be shared and donated whenever possible as unchecked possessions is social evil and religiously wrong. Our disputes and quarrels are either for "possession of things" or "difference in thoughts" or both. One cannot practice nonviolence unless our craving for things and rigidness in thoughts are given up through Aparigraha and Anekant respectively. Thus Ahimsa, Anekanta and Aparigraha offer true solutions to world peace and harmony. Fan Snake Rope (wall Worldly pleasures and possessions along with passions are great obstacles for true happiness for self and world at large.

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Soul and Karmic matter Fundamental to Jainism is the doctrine of two eternal, coexisting, independent categories known as Jiva (animate, living soul: the enjoyer) and Karma (inanimate, nonliving subtle particles of matter, termed Karmic matter) Jiva or souls are intrinsically "What you sow so you reap" pure and possess the qualities of infinite knowledge, infinite bliss and infinite energy, however, these qualities are found to be defiled and obstructed, due to the soul's association with karmic matter over an eternity of time. This bondage or association of the soul with karmic matter is explained in the Jain texts by analogy with gold, which is always found, mixed with impurities in its natural state. Similarly, the pure state of the soul has always been overlaid with the impurities of karmic matter. This analogy with gold further implies that the purification of the soul can be achieved if proper refining is done. Like most of the Indian religions Jains believe in cycle of birth and death and rebirth in any forms of life(From one sensed lives like plants to five sensed lives like human beings, hellish beings or celestial beings) depending upon the deeds/karmas of previous lives. "Man is the master of his own destiny and no external being like God has any influence on his destiny"

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Karmas (Actions of souls here) is the natural moral law of the universe in which every good and bad action has a corresponding effect on the doer; one can go to hell or heaven but ultimate destination should be liberation (Moksha) by freeing the soul of karmic matter which can be achieved only in human life through the practice of the three Man with deluded view "jewels" termed as right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. It is unique Jain belief that you yourself can achieve the highest form of purification and be God yourself. Infinite souls have done this and you too can do it. Jains are very spiritual but do not believe in God as creator or controller of universe. They believe that the universe is eternal and beginningless or endless governed by its own laws. They do not believe that any external being or divine grace can help the soul in its liberation, only self-efforts can. This notion has led some to consider Jains as atheists. Pitsburg Jain Temple, USA - Ostwal Centre, Poters bar - London Antwerp Jain Temple

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Jain Doctrine of Eternal Happiness Along with social reforms where equality and universal welfare were the focus points, Tirthankar Mahaveer showed the path of real happiness. He analyzed and logically put forward that the causes of our miseries are not so much in the external world but they are within us. If we think critically we will realize that all our pains are due to our inner enemies or passions like anger, ego, deceit and greed. Our so called sensual pleasures are temporary and if we liberate ourselves from these passions and pleasures the true happiness is natural outcome. Even external causes of unhappiness can be fought successfully if one practices equanimity in good or bad situations. He further explained that the attachment and hatred both are two primary reasons of our pains. He described that least the attachment more will be our happiness. He further described a state wherein person can get rid of all kinds of attachments and reach to a state of total eternal happiness, termed liberation and such person will not have any further cycle of rebirths and deaths. "Jainism is of very high order. Its important teachings are based upon science. The more the scientific knowledge advances the more those Jain teachings will be proven". - L. P. Tessetori, Italy

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Jain Rituals and Practices Jains worship their guides called Tirthankaras who attained liberation and showed the path of liberation to others, their worship is not for any worldly pleasures or grace to be received from God but God being an inspirational one for them to achieve liberation. Their most important daily recitation is called "Navkar Mantra" wherein Jains worship all those souls irrespective of their religions who are liberated or all those who have renounced the worldly life and pursuing the path of liberation. Many of them worship idols of Shravan balgora Tithankaras but there are sects which do not endorse the idol worship and lay emphasis on meditative practices. The other common rituals are meditation (Samayik), repentance for sins (Pratikraman), austerities and fasting. Penance has vital importance in self-purification. Jain ascetics follow five major or great vows namely nonviolence, truth, not taking anything from anybody without permission, total celibacy and non possession of any thing. They don't use vehicles to travel and observe strict rules prescribed regarding travel, food and stay. Monkhood is a major focus in the Jain faith unlike householder (Grahastha) in vedic tradition. A unique ritual in this religion involves a holy fast to death, called Sallekhana. Through this one achieves a death with dignity and dispassion as well as great reduction of negative karma. When a person is aware of death nearing, he or she may decide to gradually cease eating and drinking till death. It is called art of dying or Samadhi.

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Some striking differences noted between Temple Visit & Church Visit 1683 Going to Church is usually on Sundays at prescribed timings while going to temple is daily routine and one can choose his own time. Most of the big temples are open from early morning till almost 10 pm. Church prayers are with sermons but in temples there may or may not be sermon. Usually it is individual worship done by people attending temple. In temples family members may go together but the sitting arrangements for male and female are separate. In all temples shoes are removed outside and some even wash their legs before entering the temple. No food is consumed in main area of temple. Jains don't prefer black attire but prefers white or light colored clothes. Every Jain rings the bell by them at every visit irrespective of time. One sees many idols in temples as Jains have 24 guidence Gods known as Tirthankaras and also many demi-Gods. For any information or literature on Jain tradition click on 12

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Jain Sects The Jain community is divided into two major denominations, Digambara and Swetambara. Digambara monks do not wear clothes because they believe these, like other possessions, increase dependency and desire for material things. This practice restricts full monastic life (and therefore Moksa) to males only, as Digambaras do not permit nuns to be nude. Swetambara monks and nuns, on the other hand, wear white clothes for practical reasons. Nuns are accorded full status as renunciates and believe that women can attain liberation (Moksa). Jain Festivals Jain festivals are celebrated with penance, fasting and scripture study. There is no fun, feast or entertainments. they are all to increase spiritual intensity. Paryushana is one of the most important festivals for soul purification. Swetambaras normally refer to it as Paryushana, with the literal meaning of "abiding" or "coming together", while Digambaras call it Das Lakshana festival. Unlike many religions Jains don't have one single holy book, but have many canonical texts, termed as "Agamas" based on Tirthankar Mahaveer's teachings. Jains also have given immense and praise worthy contribution in the fields of literature; languages of India, philanthropist activities especially in the field of education, medical, animal shelters, community welfare projects, art and architect etc. Jains greet each other by saying "Jai Jinendra" 13

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LOOK INTO POVERTY LINGER our hidden crista Burning Question ? ? ? In last two centuries mankind has done unparalleled progress in various fields which has led to quality life with comforts and pleasures. Most of us believe in religion, but are we really happy ? It is commonly seen that our increasing desires for materialistic life, fundamentalism about religions and greed have added to our confrontations, confusions and miseries. Answers to these lie in blending science and spirituality.

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Salient Features of Jain Philosophy 1) You are the only doer, enjoyer and designer of your deeds and destiny. There is no super being as your creator or savior. 2) Souls transmigrate in various forms of living beings according to its past deeds .They have physical body in various states and have miseries but no eternal happiness in these states of lives. 3) To acquire eternal happiness one has to totally purify his soul by winning over his passions like anger, ego, deceit and greed. One who wins over these passions is without any attachments and liberated soul. These souls have no miseries and enjoy eternal happiness. This is termed as Moksha. They have no cycle of rebirth and death anymore. 4) Jain tradition does not believe in eternal heaven or hell. The souls from heaven and hell are reborn after enjoying or sufferings as the case may be. Liberation can occur only from human life. Samovsaran 5) It believes in infiniteness of universe, space and time. The time is in cyclic form with circle of good to bad to good and so on. 6) Every soul is individual and independent having potential to be omniscience and omnipotent. 7) The root causes of our miseries are our uncontrolled attachments and desires. Lesser the desires happier is the life. 8) The principal practice in Jainism is nonviolence in thoughts, speech and bodily actions not only to human beings but to all living beings including one sensed organisms.

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9) Interestingly Jains consider earth, water, air and plants as living beings and nonviolence to these elements is environment protection or natural ecological balance as described by modern environmentalist. 10) Love and compassion should be universal and not limited. Practically one may not be able to protect all or help all but in his thought he should always have compassionate attitude towards all living beings." 11) Its spiritual focus is monk and Animal Shelter House not the house holder. (Panjrapole) 12) Self-purification is achieved by penance. 13) They follow strict vegetarianism and concepts of Jain food where many vegetarian items like root vegetables are forbidden for the belief that these food have infinite lives in it. One cannot live without air, water and food but one must restrict all possible injuries to any living beings as defined by Jain tradition. 14) Though less than 1% of Indian population Jains is a leading business community of India and recently lots of professionals are found in this community. 15) There is no history where Jains have attempted religious conversions either by favours or force, contrary to this it has always respected all religions and faiths believing in concept of Anekant- wherein they believe that reality is multifaceted. It teaches to bow down to all spiritual leaders irrespective of their religions, who have won over the passions like anger, ego, deceit and greed. 17) It has significant contribution in the various fields in the history of India especially in the fields like finance, philanthropy, art & architecture and at last the philosophy of NONVIOLENCE.

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12 Commandment or rules of conduct for house holder-Shavakacar 1) Nonviolence by all possible means - Ahimsa 2) Truth and no hurting in speech - Satya 3) No stealing - Acaurya 4) Limiting sensual pleasures - Maithunvirman 5) Limiting materialistic possessions - Aparigrah 6) Limiting activities(Violence) in terms of space - Dikvirti 7) Limiting activities (Violence) in term of time and space - Desavagasik 8) Limiting activities(Violence) in terms of time, space and materials - Bhog Upbhog Pariman 9) Remain in equanimity to all and in all circumstances - Samayik 10) Learn to practice a life of monk - Paushadhopvas 11) Refrain from all useless sinful activities - Anarthdand 12) Distrubute all you have to unknown, be possession less - Atithi Samvibhag (-a stage set for monkhood) The principal idea in these rules is NONVIOLENCE "Non-Violence is the biggest Weapon" - Mahatma Gandhi

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Appeal for Booklet Sponsorship Dear Friends, Jai Jinendra, We all know that our Jain temples, Jain Monuments Specially with World class art & architectures are visited by many travelers from all over the World. Their perspective to visit these places is different but at the same time they have some inquisitiveness about our tradition and religion. We have seen thousands of foreigners visiting places like Delvada, Ranakpur, Palitana, Shravan Belgoda, Jain Ellora Caves, Walkeshwer temples etc. At these places they wish to have bird's eye view about our religion. It was a request from many that we should have a very brief pocket booklet about Jainism which can be given to these visitors. Inspired with this idea we have prepared such booklet. This booklet is also useful to our new generation who wish to know Jainsm in brief. By this time we have printed 4000 booklets and we plan to print about 1,00,000 copies. This booklet can be gifted to your friends and also can be kept for free distribution. Each copy costs Rs.20/-. If your order for more than 1000 copies your name or name of the institution or company will be put on the 2nd page as Sponsor. This is simple and cost effective way to propagate the glorious Tirthankar Mahaveer's Philosophy of Non-Violence, aiming at universal happiness, harmony and environment protection. For Your order call -9821052413 (India) Any Feedback or Suggestions are most Welcome

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PO VAR VECESS Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Uvjjhayanam 2's pipics 19 Namo Loye Savva Sahunam Eso Panch Namukkaro Savva Pavappanasano Mangalanam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam Jenererer Resene 000 OFO Sacred "Navkar Mantra" of Jains Jainism is a way of life with non violence, compassion for animals, equality for all, protection of ecology and environment friendly behavior. It advocates eternal happiness with self-purification by self-efforts.

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Non-violence in words thoughts and adiong is supreme universal religion Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. DRASHTREE PRINTERS: 9323998400 9322103200 - Robert A. He