Basics of Jainism

Jainism is one of the most ancient religions that originated in India about 3000 years ago. The purpose of Jainism is to be released from the infinite cycle of rebirth and attain an omniscient state called moksha. This can be achieved by living a life without violence, or ahimsa, with a very small negative effect on other life forms.   

In the present scenario, a small percentage of the population of India, identify themselves as Jains. This means that religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and even Buddhism comprise more followers than Jainism.

Basics of Jainism 

The basics of Jainism can be understood better if we look into the aspects integral to the faith and the ideology of the religion. The basics of Jainism are as follows.

Tirthankara

Tirthankara, in Jainism, means a saviour or a victor who has succeeded in travelling over rebirths and has made a pathway for others to follow. Mahavira was the last Tirthankara to emerge. Jainism is an ancient religion, so according to Jain tradition, his predecessor, Parshvanatha, lived about 250 years earlier than him, and the other Tirthankaras cited in the Jain scriptures cannot be viewed as historical figures. Jainism has an ancient history. The scriptures state that each cosmic age creates its own set of 24 Tirthankaras, the initial ones being large in stature, but they slowly become shorter as time progresses.

Jain Time Cycle 

Jainism has a lot of ancient history as it is an ancient religion. Time is split into indefinite cycles, also known as Kälchakras in Jainism. These are divided into terms of varying span, understood as Aras. This concept is one of the basics of Jainism.

Each Kälchakra is separated into two halves, and each of the halves has 6 Aras. The meaning of the Aras is given below:

1. Happiness is present all the time.
2. Happiness.
3. Happiness with a little bit of unhappiness
4. Unhappiness with a little happiness
5. Unhappiness
6. Unhappiness all the time

Currently, we are in the fifth Ara of the Durham Kal. Tirthankars are present during Sukham Dukham Kal and Dukham Sukham Kal. 

Core Principles of Jainism

Jainism is defined as something which is not just a religion but a way of life. Jains follow five core rules that emanate from the Anuvrats, which are the lesser vows that followers take and the Mahavrat, which are the greater vows that monks take. The core principles or the basics of Jainism are as follows.

• Ahimsa 

It means non-violence, empathy, and being forgiving in words, thoughts and deeds to living creatures. For this very reason, all Jains practise vegetarianism.

• Aparigraha

This means non-possessiveness. It is the balance of requirements and wants while remaining disconnected from our earthly attachments.

• Asteya

It means non-stealing. This is not taking something which is not ours or anything that we have not acquired.

• Satya 

This means truth. It is to talk about the fact. Regardless, when communicating, the truth would lead to violence. Hence, it is advised to remain quiet.

• Brahmacharya

This means being celibate. It is the approach of lowering extravagance to reduce attachments to worldly things in our lives.

Jainism’s Major Contributions/Impacts on Society

Jainism has influenced Indian and global society in numerous ways. In India, Jains had a major impact on philosophy and ethics through ideas such as Karma, Moksha, Ahimsa, and reincarnation. Jains belonging to the wealthier classes also contributed to society’s expansion through investment in schools, colleges, and hospitals.

Their significant presence in the state of Gujarat in India has also affected Gujarati cooking to be primarily vegetarian.

Globally, the most well-known influence of Jainism is its impact on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhi was raised in the Hindu religion, his family was strongly impacted by Jainism. He comprehended the ideas of non-possessiveness, non-violence, and self-control to lead a simple personal life. 

Conclusion

Jainism is an Indian religion that teaches a pathway to spiritual virtue and enlightenment through disciplined non-violence known as “ahimsa” to all living beings. It is an ancient religion with a rich history, and it is mostly practised in India more than in any other country.

Jainism, along with religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, is one of the three religions with ancient Indian religious traditions, practices, and customs still exist. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and tradition. While often using notions shared with Hinduism and Buddhism, the Jain tradition and practices must be considered independent instead of a Hindu sect or a Buddhist dissent, the way some Western scholars believed during the early times.