Who’s Reporting?
Kristel Ann S. Malipol
JAINISM
Learning Philosophy made easy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
1. to learn about the life of Mahavira and to understand his role as
one of the twenty-four tirthankaras of the current world cycle;
2. to understand the Jain ideal of ahimsa and its significance for
ascetic practice; and
3. to understand Jain teachings about the universe and the quest
for human liberation.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Introduction to Jainism
and Lord Mahavira
Jainism, Indian religion teaching
a path to spiritual purity and
enlightenment
through disciplined nonviolence
(ahimsa, literally “non-injury”)
to all living creatures.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jainism is independent of Buddhism yet it resembles it in several
aspects, such as in its repudiation of the authority of the Vedas, its
pessimistic outlook on life, and its refusal to believe in supreme God.
The origin of Jain philosophy traces back to the pre-historic time. It is
said 24 tirthankars or liberated persons preached this truth which was
handed over one by one in course of time.
Jainism is the smallest of the major world religion, but in India its
influence is much more. Jain philosophy and culture have been a major
cultural and philosophical, social and political force since dawn of
civilization in Asia.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
The name Jainism derives from the Sanskrit verb ji, “to
conquer.” It refers to the ascetic battle that, it is believed, Jain
renunciants (monks and nuns) must fight against the passions
and bodily senses to gain enlightenment, or omniscience and
purity of soul.
The word Jain is derived from Jina, which means the one
victorious over the self and the external world. The Jinas are
regarded more respect than the Gods. They include the
24 Tirthankaras or ford-finders (holy men), the last Tirthankara
Mahavira (599-527 BC) is the founder of Jainism.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
What is Jainism?
Jainism is one of the oldest living religions in the world and comes from India. Jains do not
believe in a God. The term 'Jain' means a follower of the Jinas ('Spiritual Victors’).
What is a Spiritual Victor?
The Spiritual Victors are the Jinas, whose teachings form the basis of the religion. They
were humans who practised perfect discipline and are believed to have infinite
knowledge.
A Jina is also called a Tirthankara There are 24 tirthankaras in the Jain religion who have
achieved liberation. The teachings of the Jinas have travelled through time, and the last
three Jinas – Neminath, Parsvanath and Mahavira – are regarded as the historical
teachers of the Jain religion.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Lord Mahavira
The 24th and last Jina was
Mahavira ('Great Hero'). He was
born in about the year 600
Before the Common Era (BCE)
and his parents named him
Vardhamana. He was the son of
King Siddartha and Queen
Trishala.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
His family were followers of the teachings of Parshva (the 23rd
Tirthankara). When he was about 30 years old, Mahavira left the
palace where he lived and began living a simple life without any
pleasures or comforts. For the next 12 years he spent his time fasting
and meditating. At the end of this he reached a full understanding of
his soul. He spent the rest of his life teaching others and made Jainism
more popular. At 72 Mahavira died and attained nirvana, that blissful
state beyond life and death.
The Expansion of Jainism
The followers of Jainism lived throughout the Ganges Valley. Around
250 BCE, most Jains migrated and travelled to other states in India
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Teachings
These Three Jewels are:
1) Right faith (samyak darshana)
2)Right knowledge (samyak jnana)
3)Right conduct (samyak charitra)
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Five Vows
By taking vows, Jains lead a proper life and minimise the
harm they cause to other living beings.
These vows are:
1) Ahimsa (non-violence)
2)Satya (truthfulness)
3)Asteya (not stealing)
4)Brahmacharya (chastity)
5)Aparigraha (non-materialism)
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Scriptures,
Symbols & Myths
The Jain religion does not have one
text as Christianity does, which is the
Bible. Svetambara Jains believe that
the teachings of Mahavira and other
Tirthankaras are recorded in a set of
holy books called the Agamas. These
were memorised by the monks and
passed down until they were written
down.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Symbols
Like all other faiths, Jains have
symbols
to
represent
the
important part of their belief.
Symbols are also used to remind
Jains how they should live their
lives.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Myths
One of the best-known stories that Jains tell
is about the dreams of Lord Mahavira’s
mother, Queen Trishala. Just before he was
born, Trishala had 14 dreams in one night.
She woke her husband and told him about
the dreams.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Worship, Jain Sects
and Festivals
Worship is important in Jainism
but can take different forms. It
can be the quiet repetition of a
mantra or chant or more
elaborate puja where images are
decorated for a ceremonial
ritual.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Sects
Jains are divided into two major sects. These
are the Digambara (meaning sky clad) sect
and the Svetambara (meaning white clad)
sect. Both agree on the basic beliefs of
Jainism. Their disagreements are mostly
about how Jain monks and nuns should live.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Festivals
Jains festivals have great importance.
Festivals provide an opportunity for
Jains to worship together and they are
often a time when communities come
together.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
The major festivals include:
1)Mahavir Janma Kalyanak (Mahavir Jayanti)
2)Paryushan Paryushan
3)Das Lakshana Parva
4)Diwali
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jain Beliefs: Karma
and Reincarnation
What do you think
will happen to you
when you die?
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Life after death is central to the Jain belief
of a soul that is permanent. Jainism believes
in reincarnation but teaches that the main
purpose of life is for the soul to achieve
liberation from the cycles of rebirth. Jains
consider all life to be sacred because they
believe that all living things have souls.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Jaina Education
Aims of Education



Truth is relativistic and pluralist, in a state of ‘may be‘.
Knowledge, therefore may be viewed differently. Nothing fixed.
Self-realization as ‘jiva’ is divine. Education must focus on his
divinity and remove the material bond of soul.
Education should lead to self-enlightenment and restore the full
powers of ‘jiva’.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Curriculum
‘punya‘ and ‘paap‘ are the two principles of the Nine
categories.


Education should include provision for attainment of Triratnas, the precious principles of life, that bring
happiness, success and love here and now.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Methods of Teaching
Knowledge is through senses and meditation. Teaching
must develop these faculties.

Discipline
Emphasis on self - discipline and hard work


Practical discipline (of a lower order meant for ordinary
house-holders) is essential for release from the bondage.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
Major Contributions :
1. Jainism has made important contribution to art, architecture and literature.
2.Strong emphasis on Non-Violence
3. Integrated : the contribution of jain philosophy in the development of Indian
philosophy has been significant. Concept of Compassion
4.Contribution to a strain of Pacifism
5.Law of Karma (cause and effect)
6.Aims of education : The education has always aimed at some of the
philosophical and religious objectives enlisted in indian philosophy of
education.
7.Highest state of knowledge : The highest state of knowledge is intuition
through which man achieves a realization of oneness of the universe.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
REFERENCES
http://www.jainpedia.org/resources/jainism-faqs.html
http://www.learnjainism.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/JAINpedia
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Summary / Info
Fact ~ Fact ~ Facts
Summary / Info
Fact ~ Fact ~ Facts
Summary / Info
Fact ~ Fact ~ Facts
S U M M A R Y
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING!
100% Done
Sign In
Sign Out
19+
Reporter: Kristel Ann S. Malipol
Subject: Philosophical Foundations of Educations
Professor: Dr. Josephine Dasig
Questions?
Clarifications
FAQ
About Us
Help Center