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Jainism, rooted in ancient India, emerged amidst socio-economic shifts and challenged Brahmanical dominance. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, propagated its core doctrines, influencing regions like South and West India. Jainism's expansion faced challenges but gained patronage, notably from Chandragupta Maurya and King Kharavela. It split into Digambara and Svetambara sects, each with distinct practices. Jainism's ethical emphasis and promotion of non-violence influenced Indian culture profoundly, even inspiring Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. Its architectural marvels, literature contributions, and enduring spiritual principles continue to resonate globally, offering a path to compassion, harmony, and ethical living amidst contemporary challenges like climate change and social inequality
Jainism emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), non-possession (Aparigraha), and celibacy or moderation (Brahmacharya).
The First Jain Council, held in Pataliputra during the 3rd century BCE, formalized the acceptance of 12 Angas and led to the division of Jains into Svetambara and Digambara sects.
Jainism does not recognize a supreme divine authority responsible for the creation, preservation, or destruction of the universe. Instead, Jain philosophy posits that the universe operates according to its own cosmic laws
Svetambaras wear white attire, while Digambars practice nudity for monks. Additionally, Digambars traditionally believe women cannot attain liberation without being reborn as men, whereas Svetambars do not hold this belief.
The emergence of new religious movements in ancient India was intricately intertwined with the socio-economic shifts and geographical developments of the time. As civilization thrived in regions like Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, supported by fertile lands and abundant iron ore resources, agricultural practices flourished, leading to urbanization. This period, known as the 'Second Urbanisation' around the 6th century BC, saw the rise of major trade centers such as Pataliputra, Rajagriha, Sravasti, Varanasi, Vaishali, Champa, Kaushambi, and Ujjaini, buoyed by archaeological discoveries like Punch Marked Coins (PMC).
However, these advancements were accompanied by social upheaval as traditional societal structures underwent disruption, leading to inequality and conflicts. The entrenched Varna system exacerbated divisions, relegating Shudras to servitude while Kshatriyas challenged Brahmanical dominance. The burgeoning trade and commerce sectors also elevated the status of Vaishyas, prompting them to seek religions that could enhance their social standing. In this context, Jainism and Buddhism gained traction for their rejection of the Varna system, advocacy for peace and social equality, and promotion of ascetic lifestyles, resonating with the common populace amidst growing social disparities.
At the core of Jain philosophy lies the revered teachings of twenty-four Tirthankaras, revered as spiritual guides. According to Jain tradition, the lineage begins with Rishabhadeva, acknowledged as the first Tirthankara. Among these twenty-four revered figures, the last two, Parshvanatha and Mahavira, who lived in the sixth century B.C., hold historical significance. The term "Jaina" originates from the Sanskrit word "jina," translating to "conqueror." This term symbolizes the triumph over passion and desire, with Mahavira earning the esteemed title of "Jina" for transcending his internal conflicts upon achieving supreme enlightenment.
Vardhaman Mahavira, although revered as the founder of Jainism, follows a lineage of 23 predecessors known as Tirthankaras in Jain tradition, with Rishabhadeva recognized as the first. Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, played a significant role in Jain teachings after renouncing his royal life in Banaras. Mahavira, born in 540 BC near Vaishali, Bihar, to Siddhartha and Trishala, embraced asceticism at 30 after living as a householder. After 12 years of wandering, Mahavira attained kaivalya, complete detachment, at 42, earning him the title of 'Mahavira' or 'Jina,' denoting the conqueror, and his followers as Jainas. He preached Jainism for about three decades before passing away at 72 in 468 BC, his demise occurring at Pavapuri near Rajgir.
Mahavira established an organised order of followers to disseminate the teachings of Jainism, which welcomed both men and women into its fold. Due to its similarities with Brahmanical religion and its failure to distinctly differentiate itself, Jainism struggled to attract the masses. However, it gradually expanded its influence into regions like South and West India, where the dominance of Brahmanical religion was less pronounced. Chandragupta Maurya's reported conversion to Jainism in the 4th century B.C. and his subsequent life as a Jain monk in Karnataka contributed to the spread of Jainism in the region.
Another significant event in Jainism's expansion was a severe famine in Magadha, prompting many Jains to migrate south under the leadership of Bhadrabahu, while some remained in Magadha under Sthalabahu. Upon their return after the famine, disagreements emerged between the two groups regarding religious practices, leading to a council in Pataliputra to resolve the disputes. This council resulted in the division of Jainism into Digambaras and Svetambaras. Jainism also reached Kalinga in Odisha in the 4th century B.C., gaining patronage from King Kharavela in the 1st century B.C., and later spread to Malwa, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Despite not receiving as much state support as Buddhism and initially spreading slower, Jainism has retained its influence in regions where it took root, unlike Buddhism, which virtually disappeared from the Indian subcontinent.
The core doctrines of Jainism center around the purification of the soul and the attainment of nirvana, which signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This ultimate goal is pursued through adherence to the Triratna (Three Jewels) and Pancha Mahavratas (Five Great Vows).
Triratna encompasses three fundamental principles:
Right conduct entails observance of the Five Great Vows:
Jainism emphasizes extreme forms of penance, austerity, and strict non-violence as part of its ethical framework. This emphasis underscores the importance of discipline in spiritual practice. However, while monks are expected to adhere rigorously to these principles, householders are encouraged to follow a milder form of practice known as Anuvrata (small vows). This allows them to fulfill their social and familial responsibilities while still striving for spiritual growth within the constraints of their daily lives.
The core doctrines of Jaina philosophy revolve around two main principles:
Jaina philosophy also acknowledges the inherent equality of all souls (jivas), positing that each soul is naturally endowed with four infinites - infinite knowledge, faith, power, and bliss. However, these attributes may not be fully manifested during the state of bondage, highlighting the potential for spiritual growth and liberation.
Jainism delineates the progression of a soul (jiva) through various stages, each contributing to its spiritual evolution:
When an individual successfully breaks free from their major bondage, referred to as the Four Ghati karmas, they attain kevala-jnana. This achievement marks the restoration of the soul's inherent attributes, characterized by perfect knowledge, vision, power, and bliss. The Arihant, having attained kevala-jnana, possesses omniscience, gaining insight into the past, present, and future forms of all entities within the universe, both living and non-living. Despite this profound transformation, the Arihant remains human and continues to exist in a perpetual state of bliss for the remainder of their life.
Arihants are divided into two classifications: Tirthankar and Ordinary-kevali.
Over time, Jainism divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara
Digambara: Followers of this sect practice nudity as a form of renunciation, symbolizing their detachment from worldly possessions.
Subsects of Digambars include
Svetambara: The Svetambara sect's adherents don white attire, symbolizing purity and simplicity in their way of life. Unlike the Digambaras, they do not view nudity as a crucial aspect of their spiritual progression and have incorporated women into their monastic community from an early stage.
Sub-sects of the Shvetambara sect include:
In today's world grappling with pressing global challenges like climate change, rising intolerance, fundamentalism, and increasing inequality, the timeless values of Jainism offer a beacon of hope and guidance. With its emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and simple living, Jainism provides a pathway towards addressing these issues. By promoting harmony, understanding, and respect for all beings, regardless of their status or background, Jainism offers a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of modern society. Embracing Jain principles can lead to a more compassionate and sustainable world, fostering a culture of empathy and unity amidst diversity.
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