Jainism is one of the oldest religions from India, unique in its emphasis on self-effort to achieve spiritual liberation. Non-violence, asceticism and compassion form the core principles of Jain doctrine.
Origins
The origins of Jainism are shrouded in history. The faith is believed to be derived from the teachings of twenty-four great spiritual teachers known as Tirthankaras, who attained complete enlightenment through self-austerity. Rishabhanatha was the first Tirthankara, revered as the founder.
Lord Mahavira
In ancient Bihar around the 6th century BCE, the 24th and final Tirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira attained enlightenment after years of rigorous penance. He came to be known as Lord Mahavira, propagating Jain values of non-violence, non-attachment and self-control in pragmatic ways.
Key Principles
Jainism’s central emphasis is on the independence of the individual soul and its capacity to achieve divine consciousness through its own efforts. This relies on ethical living, asceticism, compassion and non-violence in action, speech and thought. The three guiding principles are Right Conduct, Right Knowledge and Right Faith.
Five Vows of Jainism
Jain monks and nuns take five major vows – non-violence, non-attachment, not lying, not stealing and chastity. Householders must adhere to minor vows and principles in daily life. By living ethically, curbing desires and passions, one’ soul progresses spiritually. Ahimsa or non-violence is given prime importance.
Jain Cosmology
Jains believe the universe was never created, having always existed through infinite cycles of rising, stability and decline. Souls imprisoned in bodies undergo rebirths determined by karma, which binds them to the cycle of existence. By following the spiritual path, souls can attain liberation from karma.
Rejection of God as Creator
Jainism rejects the idea of a creator, omnipotent God. It believes that the universe functions by universal natural laws, not divine intervention. Each soul is responsible for its own deeds and can achieve godliness through its own spiritual efforts. Godhood is not a gift but an outcome.
Nirvana and Moksha
The state of complete liberation from karmic bonds is known as nirvana or moksha. A liberated soul resides forever in a state of pure bliss at the summit of the universe. It is formless, genderless and without passions or attachments. Jainism’s spiritual goal is to attain this supreme immutable conscious state.
Worship and Rituals
Jains worship Tirthankaras like Lord Mahavira and other elevated beings called jinas through meditation, prayers and offerings of rice, fruit and flowers. Temple ceremonies involve bathing the images and reciting mantras. Pilgrimages to sacred sites like mountains Shatrunjaya, Girnar and temples are an integral part of Jain worship.
Festivals and Fasts
Major Jain festivals connected with Tirthankaras celebrate events like birth, renunciation and nirvana. The holy period of Paryushana involves fasting, repentance and meditation for eight or ten days. Self-control through fasting, especially during monsoon season, is considered meritorious.
Jain Sects
Jainism has two major sects – Digambara and Svetambara. Digambaras adhere to full nudity and strict asceticism while Svetambaras wear white robes. Digambaras reject women’s ability to attain nirvana, which Svetambaras accept. The sects differ in practices but share the same core beliefs.
Jainism Today
Jainism has significantly shaped Indian philosophy, art, architecture and literature while prioritizing compassion and non-violence. In modern times, education, social reforms and spiritual training continue through Jain organizations. With around 4-6 million adherents, Jainism continues to be influential in India and beyond.
The ancient Jain faith upholds the human spirit’s immense potential. Through rigorous self-cultivation, any being can become fully enlightened like the Tirthankaras. Guiding the soul to ascend to its pristine glory remains Jainism’s unwavering promise.