What are the basic beliefs of Jainism?
What are the basic beliefs of Jainism?
Jainism is a religion of self-help. There are no gods or spiritual beings that will help human beings. The three guiding principles of Jainism, the ‘three jewels’, are right belief, right knowledge and right conduct. The supreme principle of Jain living is non violence (ahimsa).
Who are Jains by caste?
The Shrimal (Srimal) Jain are part of the Oswal merchant and minister caste that is found primarily in the north of India. Oswal are a Jain community with origins in the Marwar region of Rajasthan and Tharparkar district in Sindh. Jaiswal are mainly located in the Gwalior and Agra region.
Is Jainism part of Buddhism?
Buddhism is centered upon the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, whereas Jainism is centered on the life and teachings of Mahavira. Buddhism is a polytheistic religion and it’s main goal is to gain enlightenment.
Which came first Hinduism or Jainism?
Yes Jainism is older than Hinduism as in India students are taught in grade five about lord Mahavir when Hinduism already existed. Lord Mahavir is Jain’s twenty forth tithankar ( last), Lord Aadinath was the creator of Jainism who the first tithankar and according to the shastras Jainism came first and then Hinduism.
What does Jainism mean in simple words?
Jainism, Indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence (ahimsa, literally ‘non-injury’) to all living creatures. Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of the three ancient religious traditions and an integral part of South Asian belief and practice.
What are the vows of Jainism?
In addition to nonviolence, Jainism has four additional vows that guide believers: always speak the truth, do not steal, show sexual restraint (with celibacy as an ideal), and do not become attached to worldly things. While it shares many beliefs and values with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism has its own spiritual leaders and teachers.
Who are the spiritual leaders of Jainism?
While it shares many beliefs and values with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism has its own spiritual leaders and teachers. Jains honor 24 Jinas, or Tirthankaras: spiritual leaders who achieved enlightenment and have been liberated from the cycle of rebirth.
How big was the community of Jainism?
The community appears to have grown quickly. According to Jain tradition, it numbered 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns at the time of Mahavira’s death. From the beginning the community was subject to schisms over technicalities of doctrine; however, these were easily resolved.
