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Jain teachings

Jain teachings. Ahimsa and asceticism. Ahimsa and asceticism are the defining characteristics of Jainism Ahimsa Means nonviolence Is an ethical principal observed by Jains

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Jain teachings

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  1. Jain teachings

  2. Ahimsa and asceticism • Ahimsa and asceticism are the defining characteristics of Jainism • Ahimsa • Means nonviolence • Is an ethical principal observed by Jains • Religious life is primarily the avoidance of harming their fellow creatures, a broad category that comprises humans and animals (including insects) • Asceticism • The renunciation of physical pleasures and worldly attachments for the sake of spiritual advancement

  3. The Jain Universe • While the Buddha spoke very little about cosmology, Mahavira described the universe in abundant detail. • Through the omniscience of kevala, Mahavira knew everything regarding the makeup of the universe • The universe is called Loka • Is a space that is finite yet almost indescribably vast • Is eternal: it was never created and will never come to an end

  4. The Loka • Is depicted as having the shape of a giant man • In the center is the Middle Realm: home to several worlds (including our own) inhabited by human beings • Below the Middle Realm are hells inhabited by hell beings • Above the Middle Realm are heavens inhabited by deities • Many of the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are also acknowledged by Jains • Deities provide certain forms of material welfare, such as cures for illnesses • Deities cannot assist with the quest for salvation because they are bound to samsara and must first be reborn as human beings to have any hope for release- so this is a temporary condition • At the very top of the Loka is a roof in the shape of an umbrella • This is the realm of liberated souls, such as those of Mahavira and the rest of the tirthankaras • These souls are eternally freed, never again to be reborn • There is nothing outside Loka but strong winds

  5. The Loka cont. • Jains believe that salvation of the soul depends on understanding the makeup of the universe • The Jain universe passes through cycles that are depicted as turning of a wheel • As the wheel turns upward, the quality of each world improves • As the wheel turns downward, all things gradually decay, eventually reaching a state of utter destruction • At this point, the next cycle begins • The wheel continues turning like this forever • Each upward and downward turning of the wheel is divided into six ages, each ages lasts 21 thousand yrs. • This world is presently in the fifth age nearing the end of the downward turn • People are meaner now • People lack the moral or spiritual competence to attain salvation • The best the humans of this age can hope for is a good rebirth- preferably as a human in a different world where salvation is possible

  6. Human condition • The loka is inhabited by two distinct types: jivas and ajiva • Jivas (Jiva=soul) • Living things • Perfectly pure • Matter is impure • For reasons that are beyond explanation, souls have become entwined with matter and are no longer pure • The religious quest for salvation is for the jiva to make itself clean • Ajiva • Nonliving things – consists of space, time, motion, all forms of matter, impure

  7. Life forms • All jivas are equal in size and quality in their original state • The soul of an ant is identical to that of an elephant • Only the bodies (the forms of matter) they inhabit differ • There are two life-forms • Stationary- plants • Moving – insects and animals • The life-form into which a person is born depends on the status of the soul- whether karma has made it heavy or light with matter

  8. The religious life • All Jains are vegetarian and fasting is a common ritual • The religious life of Jainism is divided into two categories • Laypeople • The vast majority of Jains remain laypeople • Remain members of Indian society • Are not nearly involved with ascetic practices • Monks and nuns (known as ascetics) • Are the idea type for all Jains • Are famous for their rigorous self-denial and deliberate detachment from all aspects of society

  9. Jain sects Shvetambaras Digambaras “Those whose garment is the sky” Naked or “sky clad” Not nuns Use only hands when begging for food More conservative Believe a woman must be reborn as a man before kevala can be possible Believe that food is not necessary once kevala is attained • “Those whose garment is white” • Use bowls when begging for food • More liberal group • Believe that nuns can attain kevala • Believe food is still necessary even after kevala is attained

  10. Initiation ceremony • Minimum age • 8 for shvetambaras • Young adulthood for Digambaras • Ceremony • Conducted by a teacher • Repeats vows • Receives an alms bowl • For food • Receives a whisk • To sweep away any living thing in its path • Pulling out 5 tufts of hair • Signifies renunciation of sexual life • Fasting • Once initiated, the ascetics own nothing

  11. 5 great Vows for Jains • Do not injure other life-forms • Avoid lying • Do not take what has not been given • Renounce sexual activity • Renounce possession • Laypeople observe 12 vows

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