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Jainism-2 - Jainism and it’s characters
Masters in history (MHI 01)
Indira Gandhi National Open University
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Jainism
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Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.
Origin
Jainism came into prominence in 6 century B., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. There were 24 great teachers, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira. These twenty-four teachers were called Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living and preached it to the people. The first Tirthankara was Rishabnatha. The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’. Cause of Origin Hinduism had become rigid and orthodox with complex rituals and the dominance of Brahmanas. Varna system divided the society into 4 classes based on birth, where the two higher classes enjoy several privileges. Kshatriyas' reaction against the domination of the Brahmanas. Spread of new agricultural economy in north-eastern India due to the use of iron tools.
Tenets of Jainism
Belief in God: Jainism recognised the existence of god but placed them lower than Jina (Mahavira). It did not condemn the varna system but attempted to mitigate the evils of the varna order and the ritualistic Vedic religion. According to Mahavira, a person is born in higher or lower varna as the consequence of the sins or the virtues in the previous birth. Thus, Jainism believes in the transmigration of the soul and the theory of Karma.
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Anekantavada: Emphasises that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple- aspects i theory of plurality.
It refers to the simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, even contradictory viewpoints.
Syadvada: All judgments are conditional, holding good only in certain conditions, circumstances, or senses.
Syadavada literally means the ‘method of examining different probabilities’.
The basic difference between them is that Anekantavada is the knowledge of all differing but opposite attributes whereas Syadavada is a process of the relative description of a particular attribute of an object or an event.
It mainly aims at the attainment of liberation, for which no ritual is required. It can be attained through three principles called Three Jewels or Triratna i. Right Faith (Samyakdarshana) Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana) Right Action (Samyakcharita) Five Doctrines of Jainism Ahimsa: Non-injury to a living being Satya: Do not speak a lie Asteya: Do not steal Aparigraha: Do not acquire property Brahmacharya: Observe continence
Vardhamana Mahavira
Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24 Tirthankara, was born in 540 B. in a village called Kundagrama near Vaishali. He belonged to the Jnatrika clan and was connected to the royal family of Magadha. His father Siddharta was the head of the Jnathrika Kshatriya clan and his mother Trishala was a sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali. At the age of 30 years, he renounced his home and become an ascetic. He practised austerity for 12 years and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (i conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42 years. He delivered his first sermon at Pava. A symbol was associated with every Tirthankara and Mahavira’s symbol was a lion. His missions took him Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa etc He passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B. at the Pavapuri in Bihar.
Sects/ School
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In Odisha, it enjoyed the patronage of Kalinga King of Kharavela.
Jain Council
First Jain Council Held at Patliputra in 3 Century B. and was presided by Sthulbhadra. Second Jain Council Held at Vallabhi in 512 A. and was presided by Devardhi Kshmasramana. Final Compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
Jain Architecture
Jain architecture cannot be accredited with a style of its own, it was almost an offshoot of Hindu and Buddhist styles.
Types of Jain Architecture: Layana/Gumphas (Caves) Ellora Caves (Cave No. 30-35)- Maharashtra Mangi Tungi Cave- Maharashtra Gajapantha Cave- Maharashtra Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves- Odisha Hathi-gumpha Cave- Odisha Sittanavasal Cave- Tamil Nadu Statues Gometeshwara/Bahubali Statue- Shravanabelagola, Karnataka Statue of Ahimsa (Rishabnatha)- Mangi-Tungi hills, Maharashtra Jianalaya (Temple) Dilwara Temple- Mount Abu, Rajasthan Girnar and Palitana Temple- Gujarat Muktagiri Temple- Maharashtra
Manastambha: It is found in the front side of the temple, having religious importance with an ornamental pillar structure carrying the image of Tirthankar on top and on all four cardinal directions.
Basadis: Jain monastic establishment or temples in Karnataka.
Jain Literature/Texts
Jain literature is classified into two major categories:
Agam or Canonical Literature (Agam Sutras) Agam literature consists of many texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain religion. They are written in the Ardha-magadhi, a form of Prakrit language.
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Non‑agam Literature Non-agam literature consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars. They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.
Contribution of Jainism
Attempts to reform the evils of varna order. Growth of Prakrit and Kannada. Contributed to architecture and literature immensely.
How is Jainism different from Buddhism?
Jainism recognised the existence of god while Buddhism did not. Jainism does not condemn the varna system while Buddhism does. Jainism believed in the transmigration of soul i. reincarnation while Buddhism does not. Buddhism prescribes a middle path while Jainism advocates its followers to live the life of complete austerity.
Relevance of Jain Ideology in Today’s World
The Jain theory of Anekantavada translated into practical terms in social context would mean three principles: Absence of dogmatism or fanaticism Honouring the freedom of others Peaceful coexistence and cooperation
Anekantavada highlights the spirit of intellectual and social tolerance in the world.
The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) gains prominence in today’s nuclear world to attain long-lasting peace in society. The concept of Ahimsa can also help to counter growing violence and terrorism. The principle of Aparigraha (non-possession) can help to control consumerist habits as there is a great increase in greed and possessive tendencies. Global warming also can be healed with this thought by doing away with unwanted luxuries, which produce carbon emissions.
