Jainism

Jainism
Name	Jainism
Founder	Mahavira
Scripture	Agamas
Theology	Anekantavada
Region	Primarily India
Language	Prakrit, Sanskrit
Headquarters	Various, including Shravanabelagola, Palitana
Separations	Śramaṇa tradition
Number of followers	~4-5 million

Jainism. It is an ancient Indian religion prescribing a path of non-violence towards all living beings. The tradition's core tenets emphasize asceticism, ahimsa, and spiritual independence. Its followers, known as Jain, strive to achieve liberation of the soul through disciplined ethical living and rigorous practice.

Beliefs and philosophy

The foundational philosophy centers on the eternal nature of the jiva, or soul, which is bound by karma within the cycle of samsara. Key doctrines include ahimsa, the principle of non-violence taken to its most extreme logical conclusion, and anekantavada, the theory of manifold perspectives which encourages intellectual tolerance. The concept of aparigraha, or non-attachment, alongside asteya and satya, form the core ethical vows. The ultimate goal is to become a siddha, a liberated soul residing in Siddhashila, achieved by destroying accumulated karma through the Three Jewels of right faith, knowledge, and conduct. Cosmology is detailed and cyclical, involving vast time periods and numerous ford-makers.

Practices and rituals

Ascetic practices are most rigorous for monastics, who renounce all possessions and travel on foot, adhering strictly to the great vows. Lay practitioners, or shravakas, follow less stringent minor vows while supporting the monastic community. Common rituals include daily prayer and meditation, often before images of the Tirthankara in a Jain temple. The practice of Sallekhana, a voluntary, ritual fast unto death at the end of life, is considered an advanced spiritual act. Paryushana and Das Lakshana are major festivals involving fasting, repentance, and the recitation of sacred texts like the Kalpa Sūtra. Pilgrimage to sites such as the temples at Mount Abu or Shikharji is also highly meritorious.

History and development

Originating in the Śramaṇa movement of ancient India, the tradition is considered eternal but revived in each cycle by a series of twenty-four Tirthankara. The last two in the current era are Parshvanatha and Mahavira, the latter a contemporary of Gautama Buddha in the 6th century BCE. The community flourished under patronage from rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and the Kharavela of Kalinga. Major historical events include the migration to Shravanabelagola led by Bhadrabahu and the Council of Valabhi, which helped compile scriptures. Medieval times saw great literary activity and the construction of major temple complexes like those at Palitana.

Scriptures and literature

The canonical scriptures are the Agamas, believed to be the teachings of Mahavira compiled by his immediate disciples, the Ganadhara. The most important texts include the Ācārāṅga Sūtra and the Sūtrakṛtāṅga. The Digambara tradition holds that the original canon is lost, revering instead later works like the Shatkhandagama and Kasayapahuda. A vast corpus of non-canonical literature exists, including philosophical treatises by scholars like Kundakunda and Umaswati, whose Tattvartha Sutra is a seminal text. Later epic poetry and narrative literature, such as the works of Hemachandra in Gujarat, also form a significant part of the heritage.

Sects and traditions

The primary division is between the Digambara and the Śvētāmbara traditions, which split around the 3rd century BCE over issues of monastic practice and scriptural canon. The Digambara monks practice complete nudity, while Śvētāmbara monks wear white garments. Within the Śvētāmbara, further sub-sects emerged, including the Sthānakavāsī and the Terapanth, which generally reject temple worship and image veneration. Another notable tradition is the virtually extinct Yapaniya sect. These traditions share core principles but differ in ritual, monastic discipline, and the depiction of the Tirthankara.

Influence and legacy

The tradition has profoundly influenced Indian culture, particularly through its unwavering emphasis on ahimsa, which inspired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. Its contributions to Indian philosophy, logic through syādvāda, and Indian mathematics are significant. The community has been a major patron of art and architecture, creating renowned temples such as the Dilwara Temples and the colossal statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola. Historically, it influenced dietary practices and trade guilds across India. Today, its ethical teachings on ecology and non-violence continue to find relevance in global discourses on environmentalism and animal rights.

Category:Jainism Category:Indian religions Category:Dharmic religions