$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Essence of World Religions
us if we please him. Jains believe that each living being is a master of his/her own destiny. Jainism accepts the view points of all other faiths which are positive in nature. It explains that any view-point which reduces our vices such as ego, greed, anger, animosity, and so on are positive view-points. The spiritual lineage of the twenty-four Tirthankars (Jain Gods) of whom the ascetic sage Mahävir was the last. They should be revered and worshipped above all else. The path of liberation is to follow Right Faith and Perception, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. It can be achieved by following certain codes of conduct leading to proper ascetic discipline and strict religious observances. The Agam Sutras are the sacred scriptures that guide moral and spiritual life to ultimately attain liberation. The sacredness of all life, that one must cease injuring sentient creatures, large and small, and that even unintentional killing bonds Karma. Non-violence is to be followed in action, thought, and speech and is the highest religion. Symbols Jainism uses many symbols to convey the message of its philosophy and practice. They consist of a digit of the Moon, three dots, the Swastika, OM, and the palm of a hand with the Chakra (wheel) inset. The symbol “Palm of a Hand" (Fig 1) is most popular and widely known as the Jain religion symbol by Interfaith groups. The comprehensive Jain symbol (Fig 2) was adopted in the vear 1974, the year in which Jains celebrated the twenty fifth hundred year anniversary of Lord Mahävir nirvana. Each individual symbol below is frequently used in Jainism. Palm (Fig 1): The Palm of the hand signifies the assurance, 'do not be afraid', indicating that human beings who are suffering due to Karmic bondage do not need to be disheartened but have faith and change the course of their actions by treading the path of righteousness. Wheel: The Wheel of Dharma (Chakra) with 24 spokes represents the religion preached by the 24 Tirthankars consisting of non-violence
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