Jainism: Living A Life Of Nonviolence

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches spiritual liberation and to live a life of nonviolence. One of the main purposes of Jainism is to deal with people’s search for meaning and the truth of their own nature and of the universe. Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism is one of three ancient Indian traditions still in existence. While sharing concepts with Hinduism and Buddhism, the Jain tradition must be seen as an independent phenomenon. Jainism has been mostly practiced in India, although recent migration of Indians to other countries has spread its practice to many nations including the United States. It is estimated that there are about four million Jains, the majority of whom live in India. The beginning of Jainism can

By 310 B.C.E, two distinct sects of Jainism had emerged the Digambara (sky clad), and Svetembara (white clad), these two sects agree on the basics of Jainism, but disagree on: the details of Mahavira’s life, the spiritual status of women, whether monks should wear clothes, rituals, and which texts should be used as scripture (Agmas or Sutras) (“Religions: Jainism,”.2009). From the beginnings of Jainism in northern India the tradition spread to what is now known as Karnataka in southern India in the 4th century B.C.E, and more recently the emergence of Jain diaspora has brought about various adaptations (“Religion Library: Jainism,” n.d). During this period, Jainism spread westward to Ujjain, later in 1st century B.C.E according to tradition, a monk named Kalakacharya apparently overthrew King Gardabhilla of Ujjain and the majority of the Jain community migrated to central and western India, becoming stronger than in its original home in northern India (Strohl, R., Dundas, P., & Shah, U. n.d). There are now about 5 million Jains worldwide, the majority living in India, and the growing Jain diaspora has caused various adaptations in practice and

Liberation of the soul (Moksha) is depended on the accumulation of karma, generated by a person’s actions that attach themselves to the person’s soul and binds it to many physical bodies through rebirth. Thus, Jains do not seek immediate enlightenment, instead through the practice of nonviolence they pursue a rebirth that will bring them nearer to that state (Strohl, R., Dundas, P., & Shah, U. n.d). One can ascend to a heavenly realm due to good karma but must return to a human form to achieve final liberation (“Religion Library: Jainism,” n.d). Jain scripture expects Jains to follow twelve vows: The five Anuvratas; Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession. The three Gunavratas; limited area of activity, limited use of resources, and avoidance of pointless sins. The four Siksavratas; Meditaon vow, limited duration of activity vow, limited ascetic’s life vow, and limited charity vow- Siksavratas (“Religions: Jainism,”.2009). The sacred texts that Jains use are the Agmas (Contains teachings of Mahavira) and the Sutras (Contains texts from Mahavira written by his disciples) these texts had to be memorized since Jain monks and nuns were not allowed to have religious books as part of the vow of non-acquisition. The way to achive liberation of the souls is done by following the three jewels of Jain ethics: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (“Religions: