$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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INTRODUCTION
01 What is Jainism?
Jains
A03 - Basics of Jainism
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 (Mäyä), and Greed (Lobha)
Jinas are also called Tirthankars or Arihantas, and they are Gods in the human forms.
Tirthankar
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
Tirthankars are
• Self-Enlightened and Enlighteners
• Super Most Illuminators
• Conqueror of Inner Enemies
Revealers of True Path
⚫ Liberated and Liberators
• Constitutors of Religious Order
Shri Mahavir Swami is 24th Tirthankar in this time
A03 Basics of Jainism
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 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.
Every soul creates its own destiny.
Jains do not believe in God as a creator, destroyer or preserver of the universe.
Jain God
• God is not a Creator, Preserver or Destroyer of the Universe
⚫ God is a pure consciousness or perfected soul without any karma attached to it
.
⚫ Human being after attaining absolute knowledge is known as Arihanta
• Arihanta who establishes four-fold order is known as Tirthankar
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Liberated Souls are Jain Gods, who are only knower and Observer but not Doer
• At liberation the soul remains finite, lives in Moksha forever, and never loses its identity
• Every Soul is Eternal, Individual, and has a potential to become Liberated or God
Compendium of Jainism - 2015