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God
Jains believed in God, but not in sense of creator. They believe that God is neither the creator nor destroyer of the universe. He is merely silent observer and omniscient. They believe that every individual soul is potentially god and this is the state of the soul that has attained Nirvana. Everybody can attain Godhood by making supreme efforts in the right direction. The emphasis is on the individual's action to attain Moksha (Salvation).
Major Beliefs
Ahimsa, non-violence and non-injury towards all living-beings, is the cornerstone of Jainism and strict vegetarianism is an integral part of this principle. Jains believe in reincarnation based on cause and effect (law of karma). The salvation is to be attained by one's own efforts. All souls are alike. None is superior or inferior. A Jain's main aim in this life is to strive for the liberation of the soul from the cycle of death and rebirth and the achievement of nirvana, a state of eternal bliss and knowledge.
Jainism's three guiding lights are the "three jewels": right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. Living by these three principles, Jains try not to harm any living creature, to be absolutely truthful, not to steal, to be chaste in thought and deed and to practice non-attachment to the world by strict limitation of possessions.
Adherents
Estimates range from 7 to 10 million. Although there are pockets of Jains scattered around the world, the vast majority of them are in India. The Jain temples are among the most beautifully constructed in India.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Jain Education International 2010_03
10th Biennial JAINA Convention
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