Jainism Overview

Jainism traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is a religion and philosophy originating in the prehistory of South Asia. Now a minority in modern India with growing communities in the United States, Western Europe, Africa, the Far East and elsewhere, Jains have continued to sustain the ancient Shraman or ascetic tradition.

Jainism has significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for well over two millennia. Jainism stresses the spiritual independence and equality of all life with a particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (vrata) is the means by which Jains attain moksha, Keval Gnan, or realization of the soul's true nature.

A lay Jain is termed a shravaka i.e. a listener. The Jain Sangha, or order, has four components: monks, nuns, lay men and women.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions of world. It believes in a universe without beginning, without end and without creator. Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, is mentioned in Rig Veda, the oldest scripture of Hinduism believed to be at least 5000 years old. The last of the 24 Tirthankars of this cycle of time was Lord Mahavira.

Jainism became prominent religion in India at the time of Mahavira , who was born in about 599 B.C. in the town of Vyshali , (in the present day Bihar ) in a royal family

Around 80 A. D. the Jainism was divided into two sects.

The Svetambara or "white clad" and The Digambara or "sky clad". The Svetambara are more liberal in their interpretation of Mahavirals teaching regarding nudity and allow their monks to wear a white garment. Women are also allowed in their religion and monasteries accepting the possibility that they may find salvation. 

The Digambara are more traditionalists. They adhere to the old ideals that require their monks to go about naked. The Digambara sect believes that women have no chance of achieving salvation until they are reborn as men.

Ahimsa (Non-violence) is the basic philosophy of Jainism. Anekantvad (Non-absolutism) Syadvad (Relativity of truth) and Karma theory form the basis of Jain philosophy. The scriptures of Jainism are Agana (precepts) or Siddhantas- (treatises).  Jain code of conduct includes: Ahimsa (non violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Brahmacharya (chastity). These are very similar to the Buddhist code of conduct.

Jains believe that animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls, whatever species it may be in, is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion.

Jainism does not believe in God as the creator of universe. The objective of Jainism is to make every effort for Moksha or Liberation from unending cycles of birth, death and re-birth and become a 'Jina'. For Jains the Jina is God.

Every human being and every living being has the potential to become Jina or God. Jainism never became a dominant religion in India but always had a peaceful co-existence with Hinduism and Buddhism.

 Copyright (c) 2006. All rights reserved. Ozone Ball