Jain teachings
1
Ahimsa and asceticism


Ahimsa and asceticism are the defining
characteristics of Jainism
Ahimsa


Means nonviolence
Is an ethical principal observed by Jains


Religious life is primarily the avoidance of
harming their fellow creatures, a broad category
that comprises humans and animals (including
insects)
Asceticism

The renunciation of physical pleasures and
worldly attachments for the sake of
spiritual advancement
2
The Jain
Universe



While the Buddha spoke
very little about cosmology,
Mahavira described the
universe in abundant detail.
Through the omniscience of
kevala, Mahavira knew
everything regarding the
makeup of the universe
The universe is called Loka

Is a space that is finite
yet almost
indescribably vast

Is eternal: it was never
created and will never
come to an end
3

Is depicted as having the shape of a giant man

In the center is the Middle Realm: home to several worlds
(including our own) inhabited by human beings

Below the Middle Realm are hells inhabited by hell beings

Above the Middle Realm are heavens inhabited by deities
 Many of the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are also
acknowledged by Jains
 Deities provide certain forms of material welfare, such
as cures for illnesses
 Deities cannot assist with the quest for salvation
because they are bound to samsara and must first be
reborn as human beings to have any hope for releaseso this is a temporary condition

At the very top of the Loka is a roof in the shape of an
umbrella
 This is the realm of liberated souls, such as those of
Mahavira and the rest of the tirthankaras
 These souls are eternally freed, never again to be
reborn

There is nothing outside Loka but strong winds
4







Jains believe that salvation of the soul depends on understanding
the makeup of the universe
The Jain universe passes through cycles that are depicted as
turning of a wheel
As the wheel turns upward, the quality of each world improves
As the wheel turns downward, all things gradually decay,
eventually reaching a state of utter destruction

At this point, the next cycle begins
The wheel continues turning like this forever
Each upward and downward turning of the wheel is divided into
six ages, each ages lasts 21 thousand yrs.
This world is presently in the fifth age nearing the end of the
downward turn

People are meaner now

People lack the moral or spiritual competence to attain
salvation

The best the humans of this age can hope for is a good
rebirth- preferably as a human in a different world where
salvation is possible
The
Loka
cont.
5
Human condition
The loka is inhabited by
two distinct types:
jivas and ajiva
 Jivas (Jiva=soul)







Living things
Perfectly pure
Matter is impure
For reasons that are beyond explanation, souls have
become entwined with matter and are no longer pure
The religious quest for salvation is for the jiva to make
itself clean
Ajiva

Nonliving things – consists of space, time, motion, all
forms of matter, impure
6
Life forms


All jivas are equal in size and
quality in their original state
The soul of an ant is identical to
that of an elephant


There are two life-forms
1.
2.

Only the bodies (the forms of
matter) they inhabit differ
Stationary- plants
Moving – insects and animals
The life-form into which a
person is born depends on the
status of the soul- whether
karma has made it heavy or light
with matter
7
The religious life


1.
2.
All Jains are vegetarian and fasting is a
common ritual
The religious life of Jainism is divided into
two categories
Laypeople

The vast majority of Jains remain
laypeople

Remain members of Indian society

Are not nearly involved with ascetic
practices
Monks and nuns (known as ascetics)

Are the idea type for all Jains

Are famous for their rigorous self-denial
and deliberate detachment from all
aspects of society
8
Jain sects
Shvetambaras
 “Those whose garment is
white”




Digambaras

◦
Use bowls when begging for
food
More liberal group
Believe that nuns can
attain kevala
Believe food is still
necessary even after
kevala is attained
“Those whose garment is the
sky”
Naked or “sky clad”

◦



Not nuns
Use only hands when begging
for food
More conservative
Believe a woman must be
reborn as a man before
kevala can be possible
Believe that food is not
necessary once kevala is
attained
9
Initiation ceremony

Minimum age



8 for shvetambaras
Young adulthood for Digambaras
Ceremony



Conducted by a teacher
Repeats vows
Receives an alms bowl


Receives a whisk



To sweep away any living thing in its path
Pulling out 5 tufts of hair


For food
Signifies renunciation of sexual life
Fasting
Once initiated, the ascetics own nothing
10

5 great Vows for Jains
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Do not injure other life-forms
Avoid lying
Do not take what has not been given
Renounce sexual activity
Renounce possession
Laypeople observe 12 vows
11