Jainism: Definition, Doctrines and Cultural Impact

April 25, 2024 548 0

Jainism or Jaina is derived from the word ‘Jina’, which means conqueror. Jain monks were also known as Nirgranthas (free from bonds). Risabhnath was the 1st Tirthankara and founder of the sect. Mahivara was the last Tirthankara of Jainism and is considered its most influential figure.

Vardhamana Mahavira

  • Vardhamana Mahavira (referred to as Nigantha Nataputta in Buddhist texts) was born in 540 BC in Kundagrama near Vaishali (identical to Basarh), North Bihar. 
  • Parents: His father, Siddhartha, was the chief of the Jnatrika clan, and his mother, Trishala, was a Lichchavi princess
    • They were connected with the royal family of Magadha, Anga and Videha. 
  • Mahavira left worldly life at the age of 30 to become an ascetic. 
    • He practised severe austerity and discarded his garments.
  • For 12 years, he wandered continuously, during which he met Gosala and spent six years with him before they parted due to differences.
  • In the 13th year of his wandering, at the age of 42, Vardhamana attained enlightenment or Kaivalya (complete knowledge/intellect). 
    • Through Kaivalya, he conquered misery and happiness. 
    • He then became a Tirthankara and came to be called a Jina or Mahavira (the Great Conqueror), and his followers were known as Jaina.
  • Mahavira propagated Jainism for 30 years, travelling to regions like Kosala, Magadha, Mithila, and Champa.
  • He died at the age of 72 in 468 BC at Pavapuri, near Rajgir.

 

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Doctrines of Jainism

Jains uphold three principles known as Triratnas or Three Gems: 

  1. Right faith (Samyag-Darshana): It is the belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira.
  2. Right knowledge (Samyag-Jnana): It is the acceptance of the theory that there is no God, and the world has existed without a creator, and all objects possess a soul.
  3. Right conduct (Samyag-Mahavrata): It refers to the observance of the five great vows.

 

Five Great Vows (Pancha-Mahavrata of Monks)

(1) Not to kill or injure (Ahimsa) 

(2) Not to steal (Asteya)

(3) Not to lie (Satya)

(4) Not to possess property (Aparigraha)

(5) Celibacy (Brahmacharya)

Mahavira introduced the fifth vow in Jainism; the other four were inherited from previous teachers.

 

TIRTHANKARA SYMBOL
Rishabhadeva also known as Adinatha (1st) Bull
Neminatha(22nd) Conch
Parsvanatha(23rd) Snake
Mahavira(24th) Lion

 

Yajur Veda mentions three of the Tirthankaras, viz., Risabha, Ajitanatha and Aristanemi.

Tenets of Jainism

  • Householders were expected to observe the milder form of the practise of these virtues called anuvrata (small vows) in comparison to the monks.
  • Mahavira rejected Vedic authority.  
  • Jainism denies the existence of God.
  • According to Jainism, the world has no beginning or end. It goes through a series of progress and decline according to an eternal law.
  • According to Jain teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. 
    • Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.
  • Jainism is an egalitarian religion that rejects inequality based on birth. It rejected the strict Varna order and Vedic rituals. It believes that “by one’s action one becomes a Brahmin, a Kshatriya, or a Vaishya, or a Sudra.”
  • Women were allowed into the monastic order, but they cannot achieve salvation directly; instead, they can accumulate merit through good deeds and be reborn as men to pursue salvation.

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Conclusion

  • Jainism stands as a profound spiritual tradition emphasizing non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline. With its emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) and the pursuit of spiritual liberation through right conduct, Jainism continues to inspire individuals worldwide toward a path of ethical living and inner transformation.
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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