Jainism
A.5.2 Jainism
Origin
- Origin Period: 6th century BCE
- Founder: Not a single founder, but evolved from the teachings of Rishabhanatha (first Tirthankara)
- Geographical Origin: Jainism was originated in Eastern Ganga plains
- Cultural Context: Pre-Vedic and pre-Buddhist era, influenced by Vedic traditions and local spiritual practices
- Key Concept: Ahimsa (non-violence) as the core principle, emphasizing karma and moksha
Life of Mahavir
- Full Name: Vardhamana Mahavira
- Born: 599 BCE in Vaishali (present-day Bihar)
- Father: Siddhartha (Kshatriya ruler)
- Mother: Trishala (Kshatriya princess)
- Early Life: Lived a life of luxury, but renounced worldly life at age 30
- Ascetic Practices: Practiced tapas (austerity), diksha (initiation), and sallekhana (voluntary death)
- Achieved Moksha: At age 72, attained moksha (liberation) in 527 BCE
- Key Contributions: Codified Jain principles, emphasized non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness
Philosophy
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Ahimsa | Non-violence towards all living beings, including microorganisms |
| Satya | Truthfulness in speech and action |
| Asteya | Non-stealing, non-possessiveness |
| Brahmacharya | Chastity and celibacy |
| Aparigraha | Non-attachment, non-possessiveness |
| Karma | Accumulation of karma through actions, which determines rebirth |
| Moksha | Liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) |
| Samsara | Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth |
| Tirthankara | 24 enlightened beings who established the path to moksha |
Literature
- Key Texts:
- Acharanga Sutra: Fundamental text on ethical conduct and monastic discipline
- Sutrakritanga: Systematic exposition of Jain doctrine
- Samayasara: Summary of Jain philosophy
- Panchasiddhantika: Text on cosmology and metaphysics
- Kalpa Sutra: Describes the life of Tirthankaras and rituals
- Language: Primarily in Prakrit and Sanskrit
- Script: Brahmi script and its derivatives
- Important Figures:
- Uvacha: Author of Acharanga Sutra
- Sriharsha: Author of Samayasara
- Rishabhanatha: First Tirthankara, considered the founder of Jainism
Jain Councils
| Council | Time Period | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Jain Council | 453 BCE | Compilation of Jain scriptures | Established Sthaviravadi sect |
| Second Jain Council | 383 BCE | Reaffirmation of doctrine and scriptures | Standardized Acharanga Sutra |
| Third Jain Council | 293 BCE | Compilation of Kalpa Sutra | Standardized Kalpa Sutra |
Sects of Jainism
| Sect | Founder | Key Features | Important Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digambara | Bhadrabahu | Advocates complete nudity and asceticism | Bhadrabahu, Kundakunda |
| Svetambara | Bhadrabahu | Accepts clothing and scriptural authority | Bhadrabahu, Sthulabhadra |
Key Facts for Exams (SSC, RRB)
- Mahavira is the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.
- Ahimsa is the core principle of Jainism.
- Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas): Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha.
- Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, predating Buddhism and Christianity.
- Jain Councils were held to preserve and standardize Jain scriptures.
- Digambara and Svetambara are the two main sects of Jainism.
- Mahavira attained moksha at the age of 72 in 527 BCE.
BETA
