Origin of Jainism

Jainism, one of the world’s oldest religions, has its origins in ancient India. It was founded by Lord Mahavira, a contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), around the 6th century BC. Jainism has its roots in an ancient tradition whose teachings were expounded and consolidated by Mahavira

Jainism is based on the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) and emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, truthfulness, non-possession, and austerity. It revolves around the concept of attaining spiritual liberation (moksha) by freeing oneself from the cycle of birth and rebirth through righteous living and the pursuit of wisdom.

The religion gained considerable popularity in ancient India and continues to be practiced today, primarily in India. He has profoundly influenced Indian culture, art, philosophy, and ethics and embodies a deep-rooted tradition that emphasizes harmony, non-violence, and spiritual enlightenment.

Origin of Jainism

Introduction

Jainism is considered to be one of the oldest religions, originating in ancient India. Vardhmana Mahavira was the founder of the Jain religion. He preached the way to attain purity of spirit and enlightenment through discipline and ahimsa (non-violence). Vardhamana, who became known as Mahavira after attaining true knowledge, was born in Bihar and was related to members of the prominent Magadha dynasty. He was considered to be the last Tirthankara of Jainism among the 24 Tirthankaras, the first being Rishabh. At the age of twenty, he renounced worldly life and left home to seek the truth. After rigorously practicing penance and deep meditation for thirteen years, Vardhamana Kevala attained Jnana, or true knowledge of spiritual matters, and became known as Mahavira. His followers came to be known as Jains. After the death of Mahavira, due to disagreement with his doctrines, the Jain community split into two sects in the later years of 300 BCE: the Svetambara Jainism and the Digambara Jainism.

How did Jainism originate?

(1) Jainism is as old as the Vedic religion, according to some traditions. The Jain tradition has several great Teachers or Tirthankars. There were 24 Tirthankaras, and Vardhaman Mahavira was the last of them. The first Tirthankara is believed to be Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev, and the 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha, born in Varanasi. All these Tirthankaras were Kshatriya by birth.

So during Mahavira’s lifetime and even after his death, Jainism spread in several parts of India. He founded an organization of male and female disciples of Mahavira to spread the teachings or doctrine of Jainism. It mostly spread in the western parts of the country because the Brahmanical religion was weak.

(2) The Jains used the Prakrit language of the masses rather than the Sanskrit language favored by the Brahmins to convey their doctrines and ideologies. One of the main reasons for the spread of Jainism was Chandragupta Maurya, a famous ruler from the Mauryan Empire who was responsible for the spread of Jainism in the state (Magadha). After becoming a Jain and renouncing his crown, Chandragupta resided in Karnataka and spent his remaining years as a Jain ascetic.

The second reason for the growth of Jainism in South India is considered to be the catastrophic famine that occurred in Magadha 200 years after the death of Mahavira. This catastrophic famine lasted for 12 years in Magadza.

Rise of Jainism

6th century India was a period of social and religious turmoil. The old ritualistic Vedic tradition became a powerful factor in the Reformation. In addition to intellectual unrest, there were many social and economic inequalities during this period. People wanted a different kind of society and a new belief system. They began to think critically about the ills and miseries of life, and their desire to remove these ills led to the establishment of many religious sects, one of which was Jainism.

Causes of Origin of Jainism

The various causes that promoted the rise and growth of the Jain religion were as follows:

(1) Caste System

In the Vedic civilization, society was divided into four castes

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. These caste divisions were more like fixed divisions. Birth, not occupation, was considered in deciding caste. People belonging to the lower castes were treated badly and looked down upon by the higher castes. Invulnerability increased. There were even restrictions on food, drink, and marriage. Caste exchange was impossible. Critics and reformers disapproved of such unjust social differences between people. The Jain religion was like a fresh breeze; she believed in the equality of all human beings. She even promoted women’s freedom, which attracted people to join the new religion.

(2) Reaction against Ritualism

Meaningless rituals and complex ceremonies replaced the simple religion of the early Aryans. The rites and ceremonies encouraged by the priests to perform the yajña were expensive and beyond the means of ordinary people. This disconnected people from religious beliefs and practices. The Jain religion did not attach importance to meaningless rituals and ceremonies. Mahavira preached the purification of the soul and that one can achieve liberation from karma and reincarnation by practicing the right faith, the right knowledge, and the right conduct.

(3) Difficult Vedic Language

Sanskrit was considered the sacred language in which most of the Vedic literature was composed. Brahmin priests recited and chanted mantras in this language, which was beyond the understanding of the local people. Mahavira used the common languages ​​of the masses to preach his faith and doctrines which were understandable and acceptable to the people.

(4) Killing of animals in the performance of sacrifices

Ceremonial sacrifices and yajnas required the killing of many animals. These also manipulated their agricultural work; therefore, men hated such senseless sacrifices to propitiate the gods. The Jain religion sheds light on such dark practices. It is believed that all creatures and animals have life.

(5) Economic causes

The Vaisyas wanted to improve their social status, but the orthodox Varna system did not allow them to do so. Money lending, which was forbidden in the Vedas, was a necessity for merchants. The killing of animals for sacrifice was against the interests of farmers in the Ganges Valley. The Jain religion and Buddhism preached a principle of non-violence that suited settled agrarian communities better. This helped in the development of agriculture, which increased economic conditions.

(6) Impact on Indian Society

The simple doctrines of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attracted many followers. He emphasized the practice of ahimsa. The Jains did not accept the authority of the Vedas. Royal patronage led to the growth of the Jain religion. Many kings patronized Jainism, like Rashtrakuta or Chalukya. It has spread to Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and many other Indian states. The influence of the Jain religion in South India was due to Bhadrabahu’s teachings. The Jain religion had a significant impact on Indian culture and society. The growth of vernacular languages, art, architecture, the social welfare of mankind, etc. attracted thousands of people to embrace the new religion.

(7) Responsibility of Mahavira

Mahavira is considered to be the founder of Jainism. His primary responsibility was to spread Jainism to all parts of the country. He rejected Vedic principles and did not believe in the existence of God. Instead, he believed in karma. He said that individuals are punished or rewarded according to their karma. Mahavira emphasized equality but never categorically rejected the caste system. He always preached non-violence.

(8) Reaction against social hierarchies

The caste system and social hierarchies were deeply rooted in ancient Indian society. This rigid caste structure created inequality and limited social mobility. People who were marginalized by the caste system sought alternative paths that emphasized spiritual equality and rejected the notion of superiority based on birth.

(9) Influence of Ascetic Movements

During this period, various ascetic and renunciate movements in India sought to achieve spiritual liberation through austere practices and a simple way of life. These movements rejected materialism and focused on self-realization. These ideas influenced the development of Jainism as it embraced asceticism and emphasized the importance of self-discipline.

(10) Search for Deeper Spiritual Truths

Many individuals in ancient India sought deeper answers about the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the true nature of reality.

The preceding religious and philosophical systems did not fully satisfy their quest for deep spiritual insights and truths. Jainism provided an alternative worldview that addressed these philosophical questions.

(11) Cultural and Philosophical Diversity

Ancient India was a diverse landscape with many philosophical and religious schools of thought. Jainism emerged as one of these diverse perspectives, offering an alternative philosophy that emphasized ethical behavior, self-control, and spiritual realization.

(12) Interaction with other philosophies

Jainism shares certain philosophical ideas with other contemporary traditions, such as Buddhism.

The interaction and exchange of ideas between these philosophical systems likely influenced the development of Jainism and contributed to its unique perspectives.

Spread of Jainism

The early spread of Jainism was facilitated by dedicated monks and nuns who undertook missionary activities to teach Jain principles and philosophy. Some rulers, recognizing the ethical and non-violent nature of Jain teachings, became patrons of the religion. One of the most notable supporters was Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who in his later years embraced Jainism and supported Jain monks and their activities. Prominent Jain monks and scholars established centers of learning and worship known as Jain mathas and temples. Jain merchants were known for their ethical practices and principles, including non-violence and honesty. As they engaged in trade and commerce, they also spread Jain teachings to the various areas they visited.

Jainism’s rich textual tradition, including works such as the Agamas and commentaries, played a role in the spread of Jain teachings. The influence of Jainism extended beyond religious practices to art, literature, and architecture. The basic principles of Jainism, especially the emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), resonated with individuals seeking a path of compassion and ethical behavior. Throughout history, there have been periods of revival and revival of Jainism, often led by charismatic leaders or reformers. These movements rekindled interest in Jain teachings and contributed to the growth of the religion.

Conclusion

India was in a period of social and religious unrest. The old Vedic ritual led to intellectual unrest, along with many social and economic inequalities existing during this period. People wanted a different kind of society and a new belief system. The rites and elaborate ceremonies of the 6th century separated people from religious belief and practice. This encouraged the rise of the Jain religion, as it did not attach any importance to meaningless rituals. People found Mahavira’s preaching understandable and acceptable because instead of Sanskrit, he used a common language that was not understood by the common people. The Jain religion had a significant impact on Indian culture and society.

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