Jain teachings are rooted in non-violence (ahimsa), truth, non-attachment, and spiritual liberation. The philosophy of Jainism emphasizes the path to enlightenment through the three jewels: right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct. It promotes non-violence not only in actions but also in thoughts and words, promoting compassion and harmony with all forms of life. The emphasis on non-attachment aims to free the individual from worldly desires and lead them to spiritual liberation. Jain teachings, handed down over centuries, offer ethical guidance, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline, ethical behavior, and the pursuit of inner purity. Jain teachings inspire followers to live a life of non-violence, truth, and justice and promote a compassionate and harmonious existence.
Teaching of Jainism
| Historical Facts | Teaching of Jainism |
| Founder | Mahavira |
| Ahimsa | The central principle is the strict avoidance of harm to any living being. |
| Satya (Truth) | The central principle is the strict avoidance of harm to any living being. |
| Asteya (Non-Stealing) | The central principle is strict avoidance of harm to any living being. |
| Aparigraha | Minimalism and detachment from material possessions |
| Brahmacharya (Chastity) | Practicing self-restraint, especially in matters of sexual conduct, |
| Anekantavada | Acknowledging that truth can have multiple perspectives |
| Ahimsa Parmo Dharma | Non-violence is the supreme moral virtue and duty. |
| Karma (Action) | The central principle is the strict avoidance of harm to any living being. |
| Moksha (Liberation) | The central principle is the strict avoidance of harm to any living being. |
Introduction
One of the oldest surviving religions, Jainism, was born in the 6th century BC. During this time, many schools arose against the cumbersome rituals and bloody sacrifices, and one of them was “Jainism.” It has a unique place in the history of India with its ideology and teachings. According to this religion, the founder of the Tirthankara faith is Rishabhdev, and Vardhamana Mahavira was the last of the 24 Tirthankaras.
Mahavira
Vardhaman Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, and his efforts and teachings transformed Jainism into a popular religion of the 6th century BC; he was born at Kundagram near Vaishali, his father was ‘Siddhartha’ (of the Ikshvaku dynasty) and his mother was ‘Trishala’ (of the Licchavi dynasty). After subjecting his body to utter hardships, he attained the highest knowledge i.e. Kaivalya at the age of 42. He established a Jain sangha in Pawapuri to propagate his faith and attained moksha (died) at the age of 72 in present-day Pawapuri. Bihar in 527 B.C.
Teachings of Jainism
Rishabhdev was the founder of the faith of Jainism, but it was the teaching of Mahavira that is popularly known as Jainism.
(1) The Path of Salvation or Nirvana in Jainism
Mahavira preached that the ultimate goal of man is to get rid of worldly bonds to attain moksha or liberation. In Jain philosophy, the ultimate goal of life is nirvana. Nirvana can be achieved by freeing the soul from the bondage of physical elements and ending karma and its fruits. This can be achieved by observing the triratna, or the three jewels of Jainism. Triratnas in Jainism are:
(a) Samyak Darshan (Right View)
This does not mean believing what is said or seen; it means seeing things correctly and avoiding prejudices and superstitions.
(b) Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge)
The effort to acquire knowledge by removing the darkness of ignorance. Knowledge can only be gained by following the teachings of the Tirthankars.
(c) Samyak Acharan (right conduct)
This means living a life according to the ethical rules of Jainism, renouncing any violence towards animals and human beings, and being free from any attachment and impure thoughts.
(2) Five Great Vows in Jainism
Jainism emphasized five great vows –
(a) Non-violence
Non-violence was the cornerstone of Jainism. According to Jainism, all living beings are equal regardless of their size or shape. Jainism recognizes four forms of existence—that is, gods (deva), humans (Manushya), hellish beings (Naraka), animals, and plants (Tiryancha). Non-violence should be observed in action, thought, and speech.
(b) Truth
Jainism insisted on truthfulness and abstained from falsehood. The truth can only be told when one has defeated one’s greed, fear, anger, jealousy, and ego.
(c) Do not steal
Jainism is against theft which forbids taking another’s property without their consent and taking too much is also considered theft in Jainism. It requires a monk to abstain from all kinds of desires and not to take goods belonging to others without permission.
(d) Non-attachment
One should not become attached to worldly objects as this leads to slavery to the cycle of life and death. Therefore, one should renounce all objects that please the five senses. Jainism believes that greater wealth creates greater attachment in the long run.
(e) Celibacy
The gratification of the five senses and abstinence from sexual excitement is called Brahmacharya. Sensual pleasure suppresses all the virtues of a person, and monks and nuns must strictly observe this fast. Mahavira later added this word.
(3) Concept of sin in Jainism
Jainism not only emphasizes the observance of Vratas but also asks its followers to avoid sin because it is sin that enslaves a person. Jain works speak of 18 sins: Falsehood, Theft, Sexual relations, Anger, Violence, Dravya, Greed, Maya, ego, Moh, Backbiting, speaking ill of others, Dosharopan (accusation), Limitless, and False view.
(4) Concept of Soul in Jainism
Jain’s philosophy emphasizes the concept of the soul and its purity. According to Jainism, every object in the universe, – animate or inanimate, has a soul. Therefore, every being has a soul, and the physical body enslaves the soul. The road to salvation is paved with the liberation of the soul from physical slavery. They do not believe in the existence of one soul, but there are many souls in this universe.
(5) Theory of Karma in Jainism
Mahavira believed in karma and atma (soul). One will be punished or rewarded according to one’s actions in the next life, present life, or past life. By doing good or bad deeds, the soul itself creates its present or future. This philosophy emphasizes the immortality of the Soul. According to Mahavira, one is born into a higher or lower caste due to sins or virtues committed in a previous life.
(6) Concept of Knowledge in Jainism
According to Jainism, since knowledge is a relative quality, no absolute and final affirmation or denial is possible. This is called the Syadvada theory. There can be up to seven possibilities before determining the degree of truth of a particular statement.
(7) Equality in Jainism
Jains attach great importance to equality. Mahavira accepted caste but said that one can be good or bad based on one’s actions and not on one’s birth.
(8) Existence of God in Jainism
Jainism recognized the existence of gods but kept them inferior and did not condemn caste Buddhism. Jain’s philosophy speaks of the eternity of the universe. The universe is not the creation of God who does not exist but the creation of the six elements ie Jeev (soul), Ajeev (physical matter), Dharma, Adharma, Kal, and Akash.
(9) Jainism rejected the Vedas
Mahavira rejected the supremacy of the Vedas and Vedic customs. He preached an austere and simple life with the ultimate goal of attaining Kevalaya (Nirvana, or Mokha). He continued and refused to accept the authority of the Vedas.
(10) Jainism Against Rituals and Sacrifices
Jainism was a kind of revolt against the supremacy of the Brahmins and their sacrifices and unnecessary rituals. He stopped all these sacrifices and rituals and asked people to concentrate on karma and soul.
(11) The Nine Truths
The Nine Truths are central to the philosophy of Jainism. They are Jiva (living beings), Ajiva (non-living beings), Punya (the result of good deeds), Pap (sin), Ashrav (good deeds), Sanvar (obstacles in the path of karma), Bandha (slavery), Nirjara (destruction of karma). , Moksh (salvation).
(12) Freedom for women
Mahavira favored the freedom of women and believed that they also had the right to attain Nirvana. In this respect, Mahavira followed the example of his predecessor Parsva Natha. Women were allowed in the Jain Sangha and many women became Sarminis and Sravikas.
Salient Points of Lord Mahavira’s Teachings
- (1) Mahavira made religion simple and natural, without complicated ritual intricacies. His teaching reflected the inner beauty and harmony of the soul. Mahavira taught the idea of the supremacy of human life and emphasized the importance of a positive attitude towards life.
- (2) Mahavira’s message of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Acharya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-appropriation (Aparigraha) is full of universal compassion.
- (3) Mahavira said: “The living body is not merely an association of limbs and flesh, but is the abode of the soul which has potentially perfect perception (Anant darshana), perfect knowledge (Anant jnana), perfect power (Anant via). ) and perfect bliss (Anant Sukha) Mahavira’s message reflects the freedom and spiritual joy of the living being.
- (4) Mahavira emphasized that all living beings, regardless of their size, shape, and form, whether spiritually developed or undeveloped, are equal and should be loved and respected. In this way, he preached the gospel of universal love.
- (5) Mahavira rejected the concept of God as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. He also condemned the worship of gods and goddesses as a means of material and personal gain.
Conclusion
However, Jainism never witnessed the rapid and extensive growth that Buddhism did, and its growth was slow and never became an international religion like Buddhism. Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions in the world. This tradition produced many Tirthankaras, acharyas, saints, and scholars. In today’s world, it is assumed that religion has lost its hold over humanity, but Jainism has a lot to offer to disprove this claim. To realize the natural possibilities of the human self, Jainism follows a path of self-reliance, self-discipline, and self-purification.
(FAQ) Questions and Answers about Teaching of Jainism
Q-1. What is Jainism?
Ans. Jainism is an ancient religion that originated in India. It emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha) as its core principles.
Q-2. Who was the founder of Jainism?
Ans. Jainism is not founded by a single individual. It has a long history, and its teachings are attributed to various Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers), with Lord Mahavira being the most well-known and the 24th Tirthankara.
Q-3. What are the main principles of Jainism?
Ans. The main principles of Jainism are the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas) mentioned above: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. These are central to the Jain way of life.
Q-4. What is the significance of non-violence in Jainism?
Ans. Non-violence (ahimsa) is the fundamental principle of Jainism. Jains believe in causing the least harm to all living beings. This includes vegetarianism and a strong commitment to non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
Q-5. What are Jain dietary restrictions?
Ans. Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet and avoid root vegetables (like potatoes and onions) as uprooting these plants can harm small organisms in the soil. Some Jains also practice fasting on certain days.
Q-6. What is the concept of karma in Jainism?
Ans. Jains believe in the concept of karma, where one’s actions (both good and bad) accumulate and affect future lives. The goal is to eliminate all karmas to achieve liberation or moksha.
Q-7. What are the holy scriptures of Jainism?
Ans. The primary Jain texts are known as Agamas. They are divided into two categories: Digambara and Svetambara. The most well-known Svetambara scripture is the “Tattvartha Sutra.”
Q-8. Do Jains worship deities?
Ans. Jainism does not involve the worship of deities. Jains focus on achieving spiritual realization and liberation through their efforts, without relying on a higher power.
Q-9. What is the significance of the Swastika in Jainism?
Ans. The Swastika is an important symbol in Jainism, representing well-being and auspiciousness. It is often used in religious and cultural contexts.
Q-10. How do Jains practice meditation and self-discipline?
Ans. Jains practice meditation and self-discipline to purify the soul and gain control over their thoughts and actions. They engage in austerities, deep meditation, and self-reflection.