$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
A03 - Basics of Jainism
03 Jain Temple A Jain temple is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful place to reflect upon our nature and soul Jain temple is a place of worship designed for worshipper to experience immense peace and serenity. The idols of Tirthankars and the temple's environment promote introspection, and bring home the feeling that God resides within one's own soul. Therefore, each person can follow a path of purification of the inner self, devoid of anger, ego, deceit, and greed. Many Jains visit a temple regularly while others visit an Upäshraya or Sthänak for meditation. Upäshraya is also a residence of Sädhus and Sadhvis. We should go to a temple in clean, simple clothes. We should not wear pearls, silk, fur and leather as they are obtained by killing oysters, worms and animals. Before entering the temple, we must take off our shoes. When we enter the temple we say Nissihi, meaning to leave behind'. This means that by mind, speech and action we are leaving all our worldly relations outside the temple, which in turn results in leaving our vices or 'Kashayas' which are anger, ego, deceit and greed. We must not eat, drink or chew anything in the temple, nor should we run-around, shout, talk to others, or socialize in the temple. A donation box in a temple promotes anonymous giving. 04 Idol (Murti) The idol (murt) represents the qualities of a Tirthankar but not the physical body. Hence, the idols of all Tirthankars are similar. Each Tirthankar has a unique emblem or symbol (Länchhan) that distinguishes the idol from the idols of other Tirthankars. This symbol is found on the base of each idol. An idol of a Jina either sitting in lotus posture or standing straight, illustrates a form of deepest meditation. The face and eyes shower us with compassion and inspire calmness within us. If one looks at an idol, the länchhan (emblem or symbol) is very clearly visible at the base of the idol identifying the respective Tirthankar, for example, an emblem of bull indicates that it is the idol of Adinath or Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar. Usually an idol is carved from marble or cast from metal. In Shvetämbar sect, the idols of Tirthankars are beautifully decorated with the eyes. In Digambar sect, the idols of Tirthankars are in their natural undecorated form with their eyes semiclosed in meditation.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015