Jain Philosophy- Jainism

To explain how Gandhi applied the idea of ahimsa to modern times, I will first define ahimsa and then explore ahimsa in the Jain religion more extensively. I will then discuss how Gandhi practiced this concept in life. Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term equivalent to a- not or without hiṁsā- injury, which when translated means “the principle of non-injury to living beings”. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Ahimsa. The supreme principle in Jainism is non violence (ahimsa). It also plays an important role in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions, but Jainism is unique in this principle because it demonstrates it to all living beings. Jains believe that everything has the ability to suffer, even non-living things such as rocks, fire, and oil. Therefore ahimsa must include everything on earth. “This view of reality, called hylozoism (Greek: “matter-alive”) may be quite ancient” (Malloy 186). Karma is also an important concept in Jainism being closely connected to reincarnation, liberation (moksha), and ahimsa. “Reincarnation is sometimes called transmigration of the soul, believing that the soul experiences rebirths of different kinds of lives - human, animal or even supernatural - until it reaches its final destination.” http://www.world-religions-professor.com/reincarnation-karma.html. Karma is what determines the course of reincarnation. “The level of rebirth is determined automatically according to one’s state of karma at the time of death of the current

Upon reading about the historical and religious background of Ancient India, one can clearly assume that the country was strongly influenced by three main religious teachings: Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These three sects in religious thinking have many similarities as all recognize the life-cycle and the need of liberation, they worship one central deity that used to be a human who gained enlightenment and they all recognize the existence of the eternal soul and after-death re-incarnation. However, they also share a lot of differences that mark the underlying principles of practicing them. I will identify the scope of differences and similarities in these ancient religions in an attempt to understand why each attracted followers, why

Jainism is another religion of India, it has very close relations with other main religions of India like Hinduism and Buddhism. It

1. Ahimsa- nonviolence belief means extremely gentle or harmless. This is the core belief in Jainism. It includes avoiding occupations that may harm other living animals including insects, using items made from animals such as leather and feathers.

     Jainism earliest descriptions were thought of being a self centered search for personal salvation without having a personal God. Jains do not believe in one creator or God. Heinrich Zimmer, an expert on Indian Philosophy, states, ?Jainism is Tran theistic- it does not deny existence of God but that it goes beyond them.? (A 352) Others see it?s as a search for personal growth and a sense of higher personal ethics. Jainism is founded on the goal of overcoming the temporary cycle of earthly life in addition to be released from an endless cycle of existence. Human destiny was the center of Jain teaching. They were to rely on themselves to seek that which will save them from the domination of matter, this being moral elevation. Above all, Jainism is a religion of love and compassion, with an eternal universe. They have made significant contributions in logic, art, and architecture, grammar, mathematics, literature, philosophy, astronomy, and astrology.

Jains see the principle of ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, as fundamental. Sikhs do find nonviolence as an important, but not on the fundamental level of Jains. Sikhs will permit violence on defensive grounds.

Jainism is an ecologically responsible way of life, which is non violent in thoughts, actions, and deeds (Pecorino, 2001). The heart of Jainism is to live and practice ahimsa. This is the action by which all actions are judged (ahimsa| Britannica.com, 2015). The Golden Rule, if you will. The Jain’s believe that life is eternal. That all living souls have the potential of attaining enlightenment and immortality (Raghuram, 2004). If you interrupt the spiritual progress or jiva of an insect, animal, plant or person, you will incur karma (ahimsa | Britannica.com, 2015). Your karma will affect your samsara, and will determine your next incarnation. The purpose in one’s life is to attain liberation from the samsara cycle.

Both Jainism and Sikhism have arisen as alternatives to Hinduism within India. As Molloy highlights, they both share a belief in karma with Hinduism, but both reject the polytheistic and ritualistic elements of Hinduism. Despite these similarities, Jainism and Sikhism are different in their emphasis. The founder of Jainism was named Mahavira. He was the twenty fourth, in a succession of saints, called tirthankaras. Mahavira was born into an aristocratic family, and much of his life is shrouded in legend, but all version of his life story agree, that at the age of 30 he embraced the wandering life of an aesthetic holy man. His is said to have endured much pain, and sacrifice at his own hands, and at the hands of others. During this

Jainism was founded by Mahavira, and it is a religion that is based on the worship of twenty-four liberated souls. These liberated souls are known as jinas, and these are perfected beings who have won against samara, or the cycle of death and rebirth to which the material world is attached to. Jinas are often displayed in seated yogic postures. Jain faith is based on moksha, or the release from rebirth by karma, and the goal of Jainism is to liberate the soul and practice non-violence. Jainism is only practiced in temples and is extremely prevalent in Gujarat and

Jains believe that is no true god in the world. They believe if a perfect god created the world, why would he have created an imperfect world? That isn't to say that the universe isn't consistently changing. Jains believe that everything is eternal, but throughout time everything constantly changes. They believe that two basic substances are mixed together that create the world: the jiva and ajiva. Jiva is the soul and spirit, it senses and feels everything. Then there is the ajiva which encompasses the other materials in the universe that doesn't have feeling or consciousness. It is the belief of Jains that you should not harm anything or anyone because everything has a soul and can feel. Jains do not eat meat or harm anything living.

“Jainism dates to the 6th century B.C.E. in India. The religion derives its name from the jinas ("conquerors"), a title given to twenty-four great teachers (tirthankaras or "ford-makers"), through whom their faith was revealed. The goal of Jainism is to have liberations of the self from rebirth. This is attained through karma. (Religion Library, 2008-2015)

Hinduism and Buddhism are both eastern traditions with much to say about the human condition as well as the reason human beings exist at all. In some ways they are different while also being similar in other ways. In this essay, those differences will be discussed and the similarities examined for their message. In conclusion, we will examine what these two faiths offer to the human beings of the twenty-first century.

Jainism and Buddhism acknowledge extremely similar aspects in their respective religions. They both have a grounded belief of karma, samsara, and one of liberation. Although these basic principle are the same, they have differences within them. In this essay, it will discuss the similarities and differences between the basic beliefs and traditions regarding karma, samsara, recognition of the self, and final liberation in regards to Jain and Buddhist religions.

Jains have five incredibly important aspects that they follow. The first is ahimsa, non-harm, not only to themselves but to everyone and their environment. Next, Jains believe in telling the truth; they don't believe in over exaggerating or lying because it can cause pain to someone (which brakes ahimsa).

Both Jainism and Buddhism originated in India. Yet, unlike Hinduism, neither is based on the Vedas, and both were alternatives to the ritual-oriented Brahmanism of India. The extreme antiquity of Jainism is well documented from ancient Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, but the teachings