Jainism
Student-led Tutorial
By: Catherine, Pooneh, Leona,
Jennifer, Tracy
Jainism: The Religion
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Jainism is an ascetic
religion of India that
teaches the immortality
and pilgrimage of the
soul, denies the
existence of a supreme
being and emphasizes
the art of non-violence.
Jainism: The Religion
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The Jain community is
composed of monks, nuns,
laymen and laywomen.
There are two distinct religious
groups: the Digambaras (the
sky-clad) and the Svetambaras
(the white clad).
This division probably occurred
around 300 B.C. over two issues:
the nature of Mahavira and
monastic nudity.
Though they both believe in the
same doctrines that are
important to Jainism, their
practices are different.
Origins of Jainism
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The exact place where Jainism
started is not confirmed, but India
is most commonly referred to as
the place of origin.
Jainism, as a religion, was, at
various times, found all over
South Asia including Sri Lanka
and what are now Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Burma and
Afghanistan.
Jainism started out in the sixth
century B.C as a protest against
the overdeveloped rituals of
Hinduism. The actual date is still
questioned, but it is believed that
it started no earlier than 850 B.C
(7th-5th Century B.C).
Key Figures of Jainism
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Vardhamana Mahavira is the most important figure in Jainism as he
was the last in line of the Tirthankaras.
He was born in 599 B.C. and died in 527 B.C. His birthplace was
Kundalpur, India.
His life and teachings were dedicated to the art of ahimsa or nonviolence, which is the central belief of Jainism.
He grew up in India where Hinduism was the dominant religion. He
accepted the aspects of Hinduism, but felt that some changes
needed to be made.
It was he who built up the Jain Church and laid such a firm
foundation for it that it has existed almost unchanged for more than
twenty-five centuries.
Key Figures in Jainism
Above:
Rock image of 24 Tirthankaras
Left: Mahavira
picture
Top: Mahavira
statue
Right: Mahavira
on
LionThrone
Jainism: Key Beliefs
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Ahimsa - The central Jain belief is an agreement to avoid
physical violence and conduct that can be mentally and
emotionally damaging to oneself or others. It also involves
commitment to all life forms on earth and not engaging in
practices which may bring harm.
Karma – the belief that for every action, there is a
consequence.
Reincarnation – One’s soul that is reborn into different bodies
over the course of many lives.
Proper Conduct - Jains are encouraged to make a vow to
conduct themselves according to the following principles:
1) Non-violence (ahimsa)
2) Truthfulness
3) Non- Stealing
4) Celibacy
5) Non-possession
Jainism: Key Beliefs
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Moksha - Results in the elimination of the effects of
karma in one’s life (achieved through meditation)
Atomism - Jains believe that every living thing on the
planet possesses a soul or “Jiva”. They also believe that
people are bound to act more compassionately if they
acknowledge that everything is composed of a spirit or
soul.
No absolutes - No perspective of any person is wrong,
despite the fact that different perspectives have different
effects on the specific situation.
Key Practices and Rituals
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Meditation (samayika) - the process of eliminating selfcentered thinking and becoming united with the spirit that
governs the universe
Mantras - the Five Homages (panka namaskarais) are
recited on a daily basis, usually in the morning; another
mantra called ahimsa vikas, helps Jains to pursue a life
without violence.
Worship - takes place at stone temples or at wooden
shrines near the house which resemble the temple itself.
Fasting - occurs at mostly festivals and holy days such
as Paryushana and Mauna Agyaras
Key Practices and Rituals
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Small brooms are carried to sweep insects away from their path
Jain nuns and monks do not accept food that is not cooked by
themselves, they do not physically touch people of the
opposite sex, and they wear simple white clothes or even
nothing at all.
A disciplined life is expected from all believers of Jainism, not
only the monks or the nuns
Sacred Rituals - performed at the temple
These are some of the rituals:
Puja
Samayik
Namokar Mantra
Symbol of Jainism
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Swastika and the Open Pal
The outline of this picture represents the
universe in the Jain description. It is
supposed to resemble a person standing
on his feet with his feet apart, and the
arms are rested on the hips.
The swastika represents the soul in
which it can be reborn and reincarnated
into during the time it is in the universe.
There are three dots above the swastika.
They represent Right Faith, Right
Knowledge, and Right Conduct. The
three dots are the three jewels of Jain
philosophy in which they believe
liberation can be found.
The half moon is where the liberated soul
is being kept, and the dot inside of it is
the liberated pure soul.
The hand below the swastika is a gesture
of blessing and protection.
Inside the hand, there is a wheel of 24
spokes, and this represents Jinas. In the
middle of the wheel, a word is inscribed
which says: “ahimsa”
Jainism in the 21st Century
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As of early 21st century, there are 4.5 million followers.
Most Jains live in India, with smaller populations in Canada,
United Kingdom, and the United States.
Jainism has been an influence for the Indian culture for over
2500 years and has contributed to Indian philosophy and
logic, art and architecture, mathematics, astronomy and
astrology, and literature.
Jainism’s culture possibly influenced the religion of Buddhism
today.
There is little question that Jainism influenced the great Hindu
Mohandas Gandhi.
Even though it isn’t well known, Jainism has affected spiritual
development of the world.
Jainism