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JAINISM

JAINISM. Origins. Jainism doesn't have a single founder. The truth has been revealed at different times by a tirthankara , which means a teacher who shows the way. Other religions call such a person a 'prophet '.

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JAINISM

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  1. JAINISM

  2. Origins • Jainism doesn't have a single founder. The truth has been revealed at different times by a tirthankara, which means a teacher who shows the way. Other religions call such a person a 'prophet'. • Mahavira is the most recent tirthankara and regarded as the man who gave Jainism its most recent form.

  3. This sounds familiar… • Mahavira (599-527 BCE) also went on a journey of contemplation at the age of 30 and at that time decided to leave Hinduism….the religion he was practising. • Mahavira took up ascetiscism- he deprived himself of pleasure for the purpose of achieving union with the spirit. (i.e gave away his posessions, fasting)

  4. Beliefs • Jains believe that the only way to save one's own soul is to protect every other soul, and so the most central Jain teaching, and the heart of Jain ethics, is that of ahimsa (non-violence). • Ahimsa is more than not doing violence, it is more than an attitude, it is a whole way of life.

  5. AHISMA “Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture or kill any creature or living being.” • Jain scripture • Ahisma includes avoiding physical and emotional damage as well as protecting the earth and all life farms. • Example: Sweeping away bugs

  6. Beliefs continued… • Jains believe in reincarnation and seek to attain ultimate liberation - which means escaping the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth so that the immortal soul lives for ever in a state of bliss. • Liberation is achieved by eliminating all karma from the soul.

  7. Achieving Moksha… • Meditation • Right Conduct by following the Five Practices: • 1. ahisma • 2. truthfulness • 3. non-stealing • 4. celibacy • 5. non-posession

  8. Atomism • The belief that all of nature, including atoms, have souls or jivas. • Therefore, ahisma is easy to live by because you would not want to harm anything with a soul.

  9. Groups and Institutions • Jains are divided into two major sects; the Digambara (meaning sky clad) sect and the Svetambara (meaning white clad) sect.

  10. Digambaras • Digambaras believe that women cannot achieve liberation without first being reborn as a man. • Digambara monks live completely naked. • (shame is an earthly emotion) • Digambara monks are not allowed any possessions.

  11. Svetambara • Women can achieve moksha • The monks wear a a few articles of white clothing • They have a few possesions

  12. Cultural Impact • Jainism is not a big religion….but it has had a big impact. • It has influenced: • GANDHI AND NON-VIOLENCE MOVEMENT IN INDIA • MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AND CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN US • NON VIOLENCE ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

  13. HOMEWORK! • Read Exploring Issues on p. 78 and answer questions 1 – 4 on your hand out.

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