Reflection Paper On Jainism

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Jainism is another religion that I am not too familiar with. There are many Jains in our school, and I believe I actually signed up for a club about Jainism earlier this semester, yet I have still not learned anything about this religion until I started this research. Learning about these religions have helped provide me a new perspective and a better appreciation for what these faiths teach, and Jainism has been no exception. By further studying this religion, I have learned key values that I can apply to my life. First I learned more about the history of Jainism. Jainism emerged around 500 BC in India; it actually started developing at the same time Buddhism was developing. Jainism and Buddhism are similar in that both of them have grown …show more content…

Jains believe that the world goes through different alterations, or swings. So currently, Jains believe that we are in the fourth swing, and it is a downward swing. Jainism is deeply rooted in the beliefs of non-violence. Followers of Jainism believe that every single thing has life; this even includes stones, trees, and sands. They believe that all living things have souls and are equal. Every soul is potentially divine and it has innate qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, power, and bliss. Mahavira led himself to starvation due to his belief in that every single thing has life, but generally Jains do not follow that path. At the very least, Jains are vegetarians and prevent trying to harm things. Jains, just like Buddhists, believe in karma and they believe that karma deeply directs out reincarnation and our bodies. The main goal of Jainism is to escape this cycle of birth and death and reach Moksha. Anything can reach the level of Moksha, even animals, or anything with a soul. Humans seem to have the best opportunity to reach Moksha. Jains believe that human life is a rare opportunity for the soul to reach enlightenment and, therefore, Moksha. People who reach the ultimate goal of Moksha are known as Tirthankaras. Jains do not worship any Gods, but they do hold Tirthankaras with high regard. These Tirthankaras were able to reach the ultimate goal of Moksha, so Jains greatly revere them. Essentially, through learning more about the tenets of Jainism, I have learned that Jainism truly values being simple and being one with nature. Jains are a very peaceful people and they live their lives in humbleness and tranquility. Even in their cardinal principles encourage this peaceful lifestyle such as non-violence, multiplicity of views, non-possessivenes, non-stealing, and chastity. Ultimately, Jainism shows us that we should live moderate

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