The Jain Religion

By Matthew Cole

History of Jainism Originating on the Indian subcontinent,

Jainism or The Jain Dharma. Is one of the oldest religions of its homeland and indeed of the world. Jainism has prehistoric origins dating before 3000 BC, and before the beginning of Indo-Aryan culture.

Jain religion is unique in that, during its existence of over 5000 years, it has never compromised on the concept of nonviolence either in principle or practice.

History of Jainism Jainism traces its roots from a chain of 24 Jinas

("those who overcome", or conqueror) in ancient East India. The first Jina is traditionally believed to have been a giant who lived 8.5 million years ago. The most recent and last Jina was Mahavira. He was born in 550 BCE and was the founder of the Jain community. He attained enlightenment after 13 years of deprivation.

Jainism is a new religious movement , which contains many elements similar to Hinduism and Buddhism. The world's almost 4 million Jains are almost entirely located in India.

What is Jainism? Jainism believes that the universe and all

its substances are everlasting. It has no beginning or end with respect to time. There is no need of some one to create or manage the affairs of the universe. The universe is run on its own according to its own cosmic laws. Hence Jainism does not believe in God as a creator, survivor, and destroyer of the universe.

Jainism However Jainism does believe in God.

When a living being destroys all his karmas, he possesses perfect knowledge, vision, power, and bliss. This living being is a God of the Jain religion. Hence Jains do not believe in one God. Gods in the Jain religion are countless and the number is continuously increasing as more living beings attain freedom. Every living being has a potential to become a God of the Jain religion.

Eight types of Karmas

The first Four

Delusion Knowledge Vision Natural traits

The last Four

Body Life span Social Standing Pleasure & Pain of

the body

Five Great Vows

1. Non-violence (Ahimsa)2. Truth (Satya)3. Non-stealing (Achaurya)4. Celibacy (Brahmacharya)5. Non-possession (Aparigraha) /Non-attachment

Jainism Symbol

Jain Holidays There are three main holidays in

Jainism: Rakhi, Dusserah, also called Durja Puja, and Diwali. The Hindus celebrate the same holidays, but the Jains have some differences in their celebrations. Because the Jains use the Hindu calendar, the dates of these holidays varies.

Rakhi To celebrate Rakhi, women make

amulets and give them to their loved ones, including brothers and husbands, to protect them from evil.

Dusserah Dusserah, which is called Durja Puja in

some parts of India, also involves the triumph of good over evil. Legend tells of the defeat of the evil demon Ravana by Rama, who worshiped the goddess Durja. The ten day festival includes re-enactments of this battle, as well as ceremonies where people forgive their neighbors, friends, and family members for any wrongdoings during the past year.

Diwali Diwali is the Jain new year. The Jains believe this is when

their last great saint, Mahavira, died. The first two days of the celebration are similar to the Hindu celebration, where special prayers and ceremonies are held, and children are given candy and treats. On the third day, the Jains believe they must settle all their accounts and pay all their bills from the previous year. If this is done, there is a special ceremony involving the family's accounting book. On the fourth day, the Jains visit their friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the new year. Throughout the celebration, candles and lanterns are lit to honor Mahavira, which is why this holiday is also called the Festival of Lights.