Jainism

• Jainism is of ancient origin & believed to have 24 Tirthankaras / Great teachers in their religion
• 1^st one was Rishabdev (Born in Ayodhya) who is said to have laid the foundation of orderly human society & realised that the source of Jaina philosophy was Adinath.
• 23^rd was Parshavnath (Born in Varanasi) & Last and 24^th was Vardhamana Mahavira (Born 540 BC at Kundangrama near Vaishali)

Vardhamana Mahavira

• In search of truth Mahavira abandoned the world at the age of 30 & became ascetic & medicated for 12 years practicing austerities.
• In 13^th year, at the age of 42, he attained Kaivalya (Juan) under Sal tree at Timbhikagrama
• Kaivalya > One who conquered misery & happiness > And because of this conquest he is known as Mahavira or great hero or jina (the conqueror) & his followers Jainas
• He propagated religion for 30 years & passed away at the age of 72 at Pavapuri near Rajgir

3 principles of Jainism  > Triratnas

• Right faith (believe in teachings & wisdom of Mahavira)
• Right Knowledge (Acceptance of theory that there is no god & world has been existing without creator & all objects possess a soul)
• Right conduct (Refers to observance of 5 great vows)

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Asteya (Not to steal)
• Parigraha (Not to acquire property)
• Brahamcharya (observe continence / not to led immoral life > added by Mahavira)

Teaching of Jainism

• Rejected the authority of Vedas & objected to Vedic rituals & sacrifices
• Even practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it caused injury to earth, worms & animals
• Doctrine of ascetism & renunciation was carried to great lengths by practice of starvation, Nudity & other form of self-tortures (Penance for all sins committed)
• Although Parvanath (23^rd Teacher) asked people to cover their upper & lower body part but Mahavira asked them to discard cloths altogether (Extreme austerity)
• Mahavira did not condemn Verna system as Buddhism did as according to Mahavira, a person born in higher or lower verna is the consequences of the sins of past life & through penance & meritorious life they can attain liberation
• Jainism mainly aimed at freedom of Individual from worldly bonds

Also read: Jainism Buddhism and Mahajanpadas Rise of Magadha

Twelve small vows (anuvrats) of Jainism

Five anuvrats

1. avoiding injury to mobile beings which have two or more senses or desisting from deliberate acts of violence
2. truthfulness to avoid false statements out of extreme affection for someone or out of hatred for someone
3. refraining from taking anything not given
4. desisting from sexual relationship with anyone other than one’s spouse.
5. voluntarily limiting the possession of all forms of assets

The Seven Supplementaries

1. refraining from movement beyond a limited area
2. restricting a movement to even a more limited area
3. refraining from wanton destruction of the environment by thought, word or deed
4. keeping aloof from a sinful conduct for a set period of time (observing samayik)
5. fasting on sacred days and observing special restrictions at secluded places
6. limiting the use of consumable and non-consumable goods
7. Sharing your food or resources with guests or wandering ascetics.

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Spread of Jainism

• Admitted both women and shudras in its order of followers.
• Used Prakrit (common language) for preaching instead of sanskrit
• 200 years after the death of Mahavira, there was a serious famine in Ganga valley. Many Jain followers led by Chandragupta Maurya & Bhadrabahu left for south (Karnataka) & rest stayed back under the leadership of Sthalbahu. Emmigrants spread Jainism in south India.
• Meanwhile Sthalbahu changed the code of conduct for the monks which led to division of Jainism into 2 sects Swetambars (White clad / Northerners) & Digambars (Naked / Sky Clad / Southerners)
• 1^st Jain council was held at Pataliputra led by Sthalbahu & 2^nd was held at Valabhi where 12 Anagas of Swetambars were finally compiled

Contribution of Jainism

• 1^st serious attempt to mitigate evil of verna system & ritualistic Vedic system.
• Adoption of Prakrit by Jainas helped in its growth & many regional languages grew out of Prakrit especially Shauraseni, out of which Marathi grew.
• Jainas composed earliest important work in “Apabhramsha” & prepared its 1^st grammar.
• Jainism also contributed to the growth of Kannada.
• Basadis > Jains Monastic establishments
• Jainism religious literature is written in “Ardhamagadhi” & text were finally compiled at Valabhi (Gujrat)

Key Tenets of Jainism:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence):
   The cornerstone of Jain ethics, extended to all forms of life — even microorganisms.

2. Anekantavada (Non-absolutism):
   Promotes tolerance and multiplicity of perspectives, encouraging dialogue and non-dogmatism.

3. Aparigraha (Non-possession):
   Advocates detachment from material possessions and desires.

4. Triratna (Three Jewels):

   • Right Faith (Samyak Darshana)

   • Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana)

   • Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)

5. Karma Theory:
   Karma is a physical substance that binds the soul; liberation (moksha) is attained by shedding all karmic bonds.

6. Rejection of Vedas and Ritual Sacrifice:
   Jainism does not accept Vedic authority and opposes rituals involving violence, especially animal sacrifices.

7. Asceticism:
   Particularly emphasized for monks and nuns, who renounce all worldly ties in pursuit of liberation.

Impact on Indian Society:

• Social Reform:
  Jainism challenged the caste system, promoting equality and individual spiritual effort.

• Cultural Influence:
  Jain art and architecture — such as the Dilwara Temples and cave temples at Ellora — represent some of the finest examples of Indian craftsmanship.

• Ethical Contributions:
  The principle of Ahimsa deeply influenced Indian thought, especially Mahatma Gandhi, who adopted non-violence as a political tool.

• Economic Influence:
  Jain communities became prominent in trade and commerce, owing to their values of honesty and non-violence.

• Literary Contributions:
  Jain scholars contributed to the development of regional languages and literature, including Prakrit and Kannada.

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