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JAINISM - A WAY OF LIFE
2.1 Jainism - A Way of Life
Jains
that helps us get rid of our vices/inner enemies such as anger, ego, deceit and greed is a Jain religious activity”.
Main Principles/Tenets
• Jains are the followers of Jinas • Jina means victors
Jinas are the victors over their inner passions (Kashäyas) which are Anger (Krodha). Ego (Mäna), Deceit (Maya) and Greed (Lobha) Jinas are also called Tirthankars or Arihantas, and they are Gods in the
human forms Tirthankar
. Ahimsä (non-violence) . Anekäntaväda (non-absolutism or
pluralistic view points) • Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
Ahimsä (Non-Violence) Ahimsä, or non-violence, is a very broad subject. Jains believe that all life forms have a soul, and all souls are basically equal and should be treated with respect. This teaches us universal love and compassion towards all living beings. Violence can be committed in three ways - thoughts, words and actions.
Tirthankars establish the four-fold order of Jain congregation, which are Sädhus, Sädhvis, Shrävaks, and Shrävikäs. There are 24 Tirthankars in every ascending and descending time cycle. Jains follow the teachings of
Tirthankars Concept of God in Jainism • Every soul in its purest form is called
Siddha and is a God. Arihantas are God
in the human form • Every soul creates its own destiny • Every soul is equal and is capable of
becoming God • The way to become a God is to get rid
of all Karma by removing anger, ego, deceit and greed from our self Jains do not believe in God as a creator,
destroyer or preserver of the universe Religion
• Violent actions are obviously harmful
to both, the doer and the receiver. . Violent words leave permanent scars
in the heart and the mind of the other person.
Did you know?
Jainism is an
independent religion with at least 5,000 years of known history.
“Any activity of thought, speech or action
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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