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Introduction to Jainism
Kanti Mardia
Background
"Namo Arihantanam" This is the first line of the fundamental prayer of Jains which says "I pay my profound respect to any living person who has conquered his/her inner enemies (or his/her own lower nature)." This is irrespective of the religion, caste or social status of the individual.
Jainism is derived from the word Jina in the old Indian language of ArdhaMagadhi which was the common language in some parts of India 2,500 years or so ago - the word Jin means "the person who is a spiritual victor" and Jainism is now taken to mean the religion followed by Jains. However, to emphasize the path followed towards self-conquest rather than the religion, we will understand Jainism as Jainness. Indeed, the greeting used by Jains is Jai Jinendra which means "honor to the supreme Jina".
Loosely speaking, Jainism was founded by what are called Tirthankaras. Tirthankaras are the people who show the true way across the troubled ocean of life; they are leaders on a spiritual path. In all there were 24 Tirthankaras. The first of them was Rishabha.
Rishabha flourished ages ago according to Jain tradition, but the historicity of the religion has been unanimously accepted from the time of its 23" Tirthankara, Parsva, about 2,800 years ago, (traditionally dated 872 B.C.-772 B.C.). The Jain logic and philosophy came into prominence at the time of its 24" Tirthankara, Mahavira, who was born in 599 B.C. and whose nirvana took place in 527 B.C. He was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha (563B.C. - 483B.C.), the overlap being 36 years but they did not meet. One of the great admirers of the Jain religion was Mahatma Gandhi who was greatly influenced by certain Jains, e.g. Srimad Raychandbhai.
Main Characteristics
The most important principle of Jainism is that of non-violence in thought and deed, not only towards fellow human beings but even the smallest forms of life. Thus, most followers are vegetarians, avoiding even honey and alcohol which are believed to contain microscopic life.
Truthfulness, refraining from stealing, and moderation in acquiring personal possessions and in sexual passions are other important facets. Meditation and general self-control also form a part of Jainism.
Jains do not believe in any external God who created and sustains the world,
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Jain Education Intemational
Jain Education Intemational
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For Private & Personal Use Only
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