Int Jain Sangh NJ 2002 04 Mahavir Jayanti

Author(s): Int Jain Sangh NJ
Publisher: USA International Jain Sangh IJS

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JAINISM: An Overview
ORIGIN: Jain comes from a Sanskrit word Jina that means conqueror. It implies conquest over one's inner enemies or passions - anger greed, ego, and deceit. In it's present form, Jainism begins with Lord Mahavir (599-522 BC), a born prince who took ascetic life at the age of 30 and revived the pre-established discipline. His status is the 24th Tirthankar, the last revealer of Jain tradition.
GOAL: The primary goal of Jainism is the complete perfection and purification of soul. The principle governing the successions of life is karma. The total freedom from the ceaseless cycles of birth, life, pain, misery, and death can be achieved through the willed elimination of the inner enemies.
PATH OF ATTAINMENT: Right knowledge, right perception and right conduct cultivated together lead to liberation. Right knowledge impels a person to proper action. Right perception leads to kindness, detachment and renunciation of inner enemies. Right conduct is a quality achieved gradually.
PRACTICE: The followers observe five disciplines as much as possible: Non-violence (Ahimsa)- Not to cause any harm to any living being
Truthfulness (Satya) - To speak the harmless truth
Non-stealing (Asteya) - To take only what is properly given
Chastity (Brahmcharya) - Not to indulge in sensual pleasure Non-Possession (Aprigraha) - Detachment from people, places & material things
SACRED WRITINGS: The teachings of Mahavir form the basis of Jain scriptures, Agam Sutras. They teach reverence for all forms of life, austerity, and non-violence.
RELEVENCE IN TODAY'S LIFE: Jainism is a philosophy of living. Its teachings seem very relevant in this era of modern science.
Universal Love: Violence in thought precedes violent words or action. Absence of violence in thoughts, speech or actions leads to universal love or ahimsa. According to March 16, 1981 Time magazine, "But Jainism's pre-eminent discipline, ahimsa (non violence), deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi and altered the course of Indian history".
Inclusiveness: Jainism places great emphasis on the principle of open-mindedness (Anekantvaad) and the relativity of truth (Syadvaad). The truth is relative to the perspective from which it is known, and the knowledge claims are tentative. This inclusiveness attitude leads to acceptance of others viewpoints, or to tolerance.
Interdependence: According to Jainism, all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence (Parasparopgraho Jivanam). Life is viewed as a gift of togetherness accommodation, and assistance. This fundamental natural phenomenon of symbiosis or mutual dependence forms the basis of the modern day science of ecology.
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