Jainism: Difference between revisions
m Protected "Jainism" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite)) |
Knowlepedia (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{#seo: | {{#seo:|title=Jainism – Ancient Indian Religion of Non-Violence | ||
|title=Jainism – Ancient Indian Religion of Non-Violence | |||
|description=Jainism is an ancient Indian religion emphasizing non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Founded by Mahavira, it promotes liberation through self-discipline and detachment. | |description=Jainism is an ancient Indian religion emphasizing non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Founded by Mahavira, it promotes liberation through self-discipline and detachment. | ||
|keywords=Jainism, Mahavira, Tirthankaras, Ahimsa, Indian religions, Jain philosophy, Jain temples, Digambara, Shvetambara | |keywords=Jainism, Mahavira, Tirthankaras, Ahimsa, Indian religions, Jain philosophy, Jain temples, Digambara, Shvetambara | ||
}} | }} {{Infobox religion | ||
| name = Jainism | |||
| image = Jainism_symbol.svg | |||
| image_caption = Jain symbol: Ahimsa hand and swastika | |||
| founder = [[Mahavira]] | |||
| founded = ~6th century BCE | |||
| origin = [[Indian subcontinent]] | |||
| texts = [[Agamas (Jainism)|Agamas]], [[Tattvartha Sutra]] | |||
| beliefs = [[Ahimsa]], [[Anekantavada]], [[Karma]], [[Moksha]] | |||
| practices = Fasting, meditation, vows, temple worship | |||
| goal = [[Moksha]] (liberation from rebirth) | |||
| followers = ~4–5 million | |||
| sects = [[Digambara]], [[Shvetambara]] | |||
| symbols = [[Ahimsa in Jainism|Ahimsa hand]], [[Swastika]] | |||
| motto = ''Parasparopagraho Jīvānām'' | |||
| website = https://jainworld.com | |||
}} | |||
'''[[Jainism]]''' is one of the oldest [[religions]] originating in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It emphasizes '''[[Ahimsa|non-violence]]''', '''[[Satya|truth]]''', '''[[Asteya|non-stealing]]''', '''[[Brahmacharya|celibacy]]''', and '''[[Aparigraha|non-possession]]'''. Practitioners aim for [[moksha|liberation]] through self-discipline and [[asceticism|ascetic living]].<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jainism</ref> | '''[[Jainism]]''' is one of the oldest [[religions]] originating in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It emphasizes '''[[Ahimsa|non-violence]]''', '''[[Satya|truth]]''', '''[[Asteya|non-stealing]]''', '''[[Brahmacharya|celibacy]]''', and '''[[Aparigraha|non-possession]]'''. Practitioners aim for [[moksha|liberation]] through self-discipline and [[asceticism|ascetic living]].<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jainism</ref> | ||
Latest revision as of 05:21, 3 July 2025
| Jainism | |
|---|---|
| File:Jainism symbol.svg | |
| Jain symbol: Ahimsa hand and swastika | |
| Founder | Mahavira |
| Founded | ~6th century BCE |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Scriptures | Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra |
| Key beliefs | Ahimsa, Anekantavada, Karma, Moksha |
| Practices | Fasting, meditation, vows, temple worship |
| Ultimate goal | Moksha (liberation from rebirth) |
| Followers | ~4–5 million |
| Major sects | Digambara, Shvetambara |
| Symbols | Ahimsa hand, Swastika |
| Motto | Parasparopagraho Jīvānām |
| Website | https://jainworld.com |
Jainism is one of the oldest religions originating in the Indian subcontinent. It emphasizes non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. Practitioners aim for liberation through self-discipline and ascetic living.[1]
Origins and History
Jainism traces its spiritual lineage through 24 Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who achieved liberation. The last and most well-known Tirthankara is Mahavira (599–527 BCE), a contemporary of the Buddha, who systematized the faith.[2]
- Jainism does not believe in a creator god.
- It believes in eternal souls and the karmic cycle of rebirth.
- The first Tirthankara is Rishabhanatha.
Beliefs and Philosophy
Core Jain beliefs include:
- Ahimsa – Not harming any living being.
- Anekantavada – Truth has many perspectives.
- Karma and Rebirth
- Moksha – Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Sects
Jainism is divided into two main sects:
- Digambara – Ascetics practice extreme renunciation and often wear no clothes.
- Shvetambara – Ascetics wear white clothes and are more community-oriented.[3]
Practices
- Fasting, meditation, and prayer.
- Following the Five Great Vows (Mahavrata).
- Worship in Jain temples, often intricately carved and decorated.
- Celebrating festivals like Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, and Diwali (marking Mahavira’s nirvana).
Temples and Art
Famous Jain temples include:
- Palitana Temples, Gujarat
- Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan
- Shravanabelagola, Karnataka – Home to the statue of Bahubali
- Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu
Jain art is known for its symbolism, detailed iconography, and dedication to non-violent imagery.
Sacred Texts
- Agamas – Canonical texts of Jain teachings (especially for Shvetambaras)
- Tattvartha Sutra – A key philosophical text accepted by all Jains[4]
Influence
- Strong impact on Indian ethics, vegetarianism, and legal thought.
- Prominent Jain communities are found in India, the UK, USA, Canada, and East Africa.
- Many Jain scholars contributed to mathematics, astronomy, and logic in ancient India.
Notable Jains
- Virchand Gandhi – Represented Jainism at the Parliament of the World's Religions (1893)
- Shrimad Rajchandra – Spiritual guide to Mahatma Gandhi
- Gautam Adani, Lalit Doshi – Prominent Jain business figures