Jainism

BY SOPHIA KUNKEL

History No single Founder, truths were revealed by Tirthankaras A Tirthankar is a normal soul born as a human, but has to earn the

state of Tirthankara by Penance, equanimity, and meditation. Jains believe in the 24 Tirthankaras- Adinatha, Ajita, Sambhava,

Abhinandana, Sumati, Padmaprabha, Suparshva, Chandraprabha, Suvidhi, Shital, Shreyansa, Vasupujya,Vimala, Ananta, Dharma, Shanti, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Muni Suvrata, Nami, Nemi, Parshva, and Mahavira

Mahavira added Chastity to the 4 other Abstinences

Sects of JainismSVETAMBARA: Believe that many of the

Mahavira scriptures still exist

Monks wear thin, white robes

DIGAMBARA: Believe that all Mahavira

scriptures are lost Monks do not wear any

clothing and live naked- "Sky Clad"

Holy Book All contain the teachings of Mahavira and are called

the Agamas Texts had to be memorized by the monks because they

were not allowed to have any religious book and were not allowed to write

Many Scriptures have been lost- Both sects disagree on whether they exist or not, but they do agree that the Texts called the Purvas are lost forever

Mahavora is NOT founder of religion Monks/nuns now allowed to possess religious books

and to write

Core Beliefs Both sects aim to make sure their soul does not

receive any more Karma so that the karma inside of them will be eliminated

Mahavira created the Three Jewels: Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.

In the Three Jewels are the Five Abstinences: Ahisma (Non Violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (Not stealing), Aparigraha (Non Acquistion), and Brahmacarya (Chaste Living).

Believe that souls: Exist forever, always independent, responsible for actions, can be liberated from cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth but not all souls are capable of this.

When human dies, the soul goes to its next body instantly. May not even be human or animal

Ahisma Symbol-

Places of Worship Both sects go to Temples to

worship Priests are only there to help in

rituals, and do not receive special status in the eyes of God-like beings, because in Jainism, there are no Gods

Holidays Mahavira Jayanti- Celebrates the birth of

Mahavira. Jains will gather in temples to hear scripture being read.

Paryushana- Means "to stay in one place". Jains will reflect and repent during this 8 day celebration of intensive fasting, repentance, and Pujas.

Diwali- Celebrated all through out India as the festival of lights. Plus, Mahavira gave his last teachings on this day and supposedly achieved ultimate Liberation.

Traditions Fasting- done by more women than men.

Often done at festivals/ holy days and also the Monsoon period. Done as Penance, purifies body and mind. As well as not eating, you must simply stop wanting to eat.

Pilgrimage- Jains often travel to Shatrunjaya in Gujarat which is one of the Five Holy Mountains and contains many temples.

The End!!