Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, emphasizes non-violence and self-discipline. Founded by Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, it teaches that all living beings have souls and should be treated with respect. Jains strive for spiritual liberation through ethical living and ascetic practices.

The religion is split into two main sects: Digambara and Svetambara. Core principles include ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and anekantavada (non-absolutism). Jains believe in karma, reincarnation, and the potential for all souls to achieve enlightenment through spiritual practices.

Key Figures and Sects

Mahavira and Tirthankaras

• Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara, is considered the founder of Jainism in its present form
• Lived in the 6th century BCE and was a contemporary of the Buddha
• Tirthankaras are spiritually advanced beings who have attained enlightenment and guide others on the path to liberation
• There are believed to be 24 Tirthankaras in each half-cycle of time, with Rishabhanatha being the first and Mahavira the last in the current cycle

Digambara and Svetambara Sects

• Jainism split into two main sects, Digambara and Svetambara, around the 4th century CE due to doctrinal differences
• Digambara, meaning "sky-clad," believe that monks should not wear clothes as a sign of complete renunciation (Shvetambaras wear white robes)
• Digambaras believe that women cannot attain liberation without being reborn as men first, while Svetambaras disagree
• Svetambaras accept the canonical texts as authentic, while Digambaras consider them lost or distorted

Jain Monasticism

• Jain monks and nuns follow a strict ascetic lifestyle, renouncing worldly possessions and attachments
• They practice non-violence (ahimsa) to an extreme degree, often wearing masks to avoid inhaling small insects and sweeping the ground before walking to avoid harming any living beings
• Monks and nuns engage in meditation, study of scriptures, and spiritual practices to progress towards liberation
• Lay Jains support the monastic community by providing food, shelter, and other necessities, as monks and nuns do not prepare their own food to avoid harming living beings

Core Principles

Ahimsa: Non-violence

• Ahimsa is the central tenet of Jainism, emphasizing non-violence towards all living beings
• Jains believe that every living being has a soul and the right to live, and causing harm to any being accumulates negative karma
• This principle extends to thoughts, words, and actions, with Jains striving to minimize harm in all aspects of life
• In practice, Jains follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, avoid professions that may cause harm (such as farming or fishing), and even filter water to avoid consuming microorganisms

Aparigraha: Non-attachment

• Aparigraha is the principle of non-attachment to material possessions and worldly desires
• Jains believe that attachment to possessions and desires leads to suffering and the accumulation of karma
• Monks and nuns practice complete renunciation of possessions, while lay Jains are encouraged to limit their possessions and detach from material wealth
• This principle also extends to non-attachment to ideas, opinions, and relationships, promoting equanimity and emotional detachment

Anekantavada: Non-absolutism

• Anekantavada is the doctrine of non-absolutism or many-sidedness, recognizing the complexity and relativity of truth
• Jains believe that reality is multifaceted and can be perceived from different viewpoints, each holding a portion of the truth
• This principle promotes tolerance, open-mindedness, and respect for diverse opinions and beliefs
• In practice, Jains engage in respectful dialogue with those holding different views and refrain from dogmatic assertions of absolute truth

Sallekhana: Voluntary Death by Fasting

• Sallekhana is the Jain practice of voluntarily fasting to death, seen as the ultimate act of renunciation and detachment
• This practice is undertaken by monks, nuns, or lay Jains who have reached a high level of spiritual attainment and wish to end the cycle of rebirth
• Sallekhana is not considered suicide, as it is a gradual process of fasting with a spiritual purpose and is done with a peaceful and detached state of mind
• The decision to undertake Sallekhana is made with careful consideration and often with the approval of spiritual guides and family members

Metaphysical Concepts

Karma: Cause and Effect

• In Jainism, karma is understood as a subtle matter that adheres to the soul based on one's actions, thoughts, and words
• Karma determines the nature of one's rebirth and experiences in future lives, with positive actions leading to positive karma and negative actions leading to negative karma
• The goal of Jain spiritual practice is to liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirth by shedding all karma through non-attachment, non-violence, and spiritual discipline
• Jains believe that every action has consequences and that individuals are responsible for their own spiritual progress through the accumulation of good karma and the shedding of negative karma

Jiva: Living Souls

• Jiva refers to the living soul or consciousness that is present in all living beings, from humans to animals to plants and even microorganisms
• Jains believe that every jiva is eternal, uncreated, and has the potential for infinite knowledge, perception, and bliss
• The soul is seen as distinct from the body and mind, which are temporary and subject to change
• The ultimate goal of Jain spiritual practice is the liberation of the jiva from the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of a state of pure consciousness and bliss (Kevala Jnana)
• Jains believe in the fundamental equality of all jivas and the need to treat all living beings with compassion and non-violence, as they are all on the path to liberation