The Jain Religion

1
The Jain Religion

• By Matthew Cole

2
History of Jainism

• Originating on the Indian subcontinent, Jainism
  or The Jain Dharma. Is one of the oldest
  religions of its homeland and indeed of the
  world. Jainism has prehistoric origins dating
  before 3000 BC, and before the beginning of
  Indo-Aryan culture.
• Jain religion is unique in that, during its
  existence of over 5000 years, it has never
  compromised on the concept of nonviolence either
  in principle or practice.

3
History of Jainism

• Jainism traces its roots from a chain of 24 Jinas
  ("those who overcome", or conqueror) in ancient
  East India. The first Jina is traditionally
  believed to have been a giant who lived 8.5
  million years ago. The most recent and last Jina
  was Mahavira. He was born in 550 BCE and was the
  founder of the Jain community. He attained
  enlightenment after 13 years of deprivation.
• Jainism is a new religious movement , which
  contains many elements similar to Hinduism and
  Buddhism. The world's almost 4 million Jains are
  almost entirely located in India.

4
What is Jainism?

• Jainism believes that the universe and all its
  substances are everlasting. It has no beginning
  or end with respect to time. There is no need of
  some one to create or manage the affairs of the
  universe. The universe is run on its own
  according to its own cosmic laws. Hence Jainism
  does not believe in God as a creator, survivor,
  and destroyer of the universe.

5
Jainism

• However Jainism does believe in God. When a
  living being destroys all his karmas, he
  possesses perfect knowledge, vision, power, and
  bliss. This living being is a God of the Jain
  religion. Hence Jains do not believe in one God.
  Gods in the Jain religion are countless and the
  number is continuously increasing as more living
  beings attain freedom. Every living being has a
  potential to become a God of the Jain religion.

6
Eight types of Karmas

• The first Four
• Delusion
• Knowledge
• Vision
• Natural traits

• The last Four
• Body
• Life span
• Social Standing
• Pleasure Pain of the body

7
Five Great Vows

• Non-violence (Ahimsa)
• Truth (Satya)
• Non-stealing (Achaurya)
• Celibacy (Brahmacharya)
• Non-possession (Aparigraha)
• /Non-attachment

8
Jainism Symbol
9
Jain Holidays

• There are three main holidays in Jainism Rakhi,
  Dusserah, also called Durja Puja, and Diwali. The
  Hindus celebrate the same holidays, but the Jains
  have some differences in their celebrations.
  Because the Jains use the Hindu calendar, the
  dates of these holidays varies.

10
Rakhi

• To celebrate Rakhi, women make amulets and give
  them to their loved ones, including brothers and
  husbands, to protect them from evil.

11
Dusserah

• Dusserah, which is called Durja Puja in some
  parts of India, also involves the triumph of good
  over evil. Legend tells of the defeat of the evil
  demon Ravana by Rama, who worshiped the goddess
  Durja. The ten day festival includes
  re-enactments of this battle, as well as
  ceremonies where people forgive their neighbors,
  friends, and family members for any wrongdoings
  during the past year.

12
Diwali

• Diwali is the Jain new year. The Jains believe
  this is when their last great saint, Mahavira,
  died. The first two days of the celebration are
  similar to the Hindu celebration, where special
  prayers and ceremonies are held, and children are
  given candy and treats. On the third day, the
  Jains believe they must settle all their accounts
  and pay all their bills from the previous year.
  If this is done, there is a special ceremony
  involving the family's accounting book. On the
  fourth day, the Jains visit their friends,
  family, and neighbors to celebrate the new year.
  Throughout the celebration, candles and lanterns
  are lit to honor Mahavira, which is why this
  holiday is also called the Festival of Lights.