Jainism is a religion originally from india that teaches that all the events in the universe are selfcaused, random, fixed and are independent of previous events or external causes or god. What mahavira has taught ages back still has its significance in modern day life. Jains are an important religious community and jainism preaches on different principles of virtue enriching the population. This article looks at understandings of intercaste rankings between jain merchants and nonjain brahmans, and shows how different religious. Jainism you should read enough of the materials presented in this section concerning the tradition of jainism in order to understand how this tradition displays the characteristics or elements that make a tradition one that would be termed a religion. Most african communities name their children in regards to events, character, seasons, place of birth, weather, moms situation at birth, time of birth among other factors. Jainism dont have any specific holy book like the bhagavad geeta,the quran or the bible. Kenyan surnames and african names, in general, are a window into a particular ethnic group or relation to some form of african culture or geographical region. Jain philosophy is the oldest philosophy of india that distinguishes body matter from the soul consciousness completely. Wear clean clothes, wash your hands and feet and if you have eaten something make sure to gargle and clean your mouth. Jainism is the outcome of the teachings of twenty four tirthankaras or prophets.
On this day monks and nuns will be invited to give teachings to jains from jain writings. Jains give up the life of the householder renounce the world to travel towards higher spiritual conditions, which only fullyfledged monks and nuns can do. This festival has 8 days of fasting, remorsefulness, and pujas. These are further divided into different subsects and traditions. Jainism believes that universe and all its substances or entities are eternal. In these books there are lucid descriptions on the birth of jainism. The name of rishava and arishtanemi are found in rigveda. The jinas are considered more respectable than the gods. Jains do not pray to a specific tirthankar or monk by name. These texts are collectively known as agams, the sacred books of the jain religion. Renunciation is the general term for taking the special vows to becoming a mendicant for the rest of ones life. Jains of kenya people profile strategy leader resource kit. Jainism arose in 7th century bc eastern india, home to hinduism and buddhism. A glance at its contents will reveal the fact that glasenapp has covered almost all the salient features of jainism.
Jainism study guide by georgewong includes 33 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Jains trace their history through twentyfour tirthankara and revere rishabhanatha as the first tirthankara in the present timecycle. Jainism, a form of religion intermediate between brahminism and buddhism, originated in india in prechristian times, and has maintained its heretical attitude towards brahminism down to the present day. All the substances change or modify their forms continuously. Jainism, indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through. Jainism religion bhagwan mahavir jain symbol belief.
Our intention behind our actions of body, mind, and speech bind us with karma. Jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twentyfour leaders or tirthankaras, with the first being rishabhanatha, who according to jain tradition lived millions. You just have to find out the perfect one, which, you surely will. The oldest jain literature is in shauraseni and ardhamagadhi prakrit agamas, agamatulya, siddhanta texts, etc. Jains believe that jainism is an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every cycle of the jain cosmology. Jain communities can be found in europe, the united states, canada, australia and kenya. Jainism differs from many religions in that there is no one scripture or holy book that is central to our faith. The book goes into depth of the history of this non violent nature, and where jainism originates from. The challenges facing religion in the contemporary world. Hence you will not find a single text like bible or quran in jainism. Introduction to jainism, theory of karma, the six dravyas and more. Universe runs own its own accord by its own cosmic laws.
Jainism is an eastern religion with origins in the indus river valley. Pilgrimage plays an important part in jain life for digambaras and some svetambaras. An introduction, is a thoroughly researched overview of the jain tradition, a religion and set of philosophical constructs that have influenced indian thought for over 2500 years. Sep 10, 2009 pilgrimage pilgrimage in jainism temples on the shatrunjaya hills, gujurat an important jain site. The faith is named for the jinas, spiritual conquerors who have achieved liberation and perfection. Followers of jainism are called jains, and there are about 4 million worldwide. Please pledge to do swadhyay for at least 510 minutes each day. The present book is one of the best and stimulating books ever written by scholars on jainism. Jain agamas wikipedia copying an expert from wikipedia below for your reference agamas are texts of jainism based on the discourses of the tirthankara. Mar 17, 2015 jainism arose in 7th century bc eastern india, home to hinduism and buddhism. Jain beliefs fundamental beliefs of jainism the soul is bounded by karma from the beginning of time. Selecting a baby name is like embarking on a treasure hunt, where you are sure to be a winner.
The texts had to be memorised since jain monks and nuns were not allowed to possess religious books as part of their vow of nonacquisition. The monks and nuns of the svetambara murtipujaka sects wear mouthcloths muhpatti or mukhavastrika at certain times. The site is on top of a mountain that is over 2,000 feet high. These indicate that jainism is as old as vedic religion. This is a complete e book of on the indian sect of the jainas, by johann georg buhler. Ultimate goal of life is eternal release from karma. Aug 29, 2008 what is kalpa sutra and why do jains read it. Jains are very caring over the environment, they wear masks over their faces to prevent inhaling of any small insects and they carry. Jainism is an eastern religion with origins in the indus river valley dating back to 3000 b. Selfdiscipline and asceticism are thus major focuses of jainism. On pilgrimages, jains often visit temples and locations connected to tirthankaras.
Jainism, ajivika, and buddhism arose in the 6th cent. This closeness of resemblance has led not a few scholarssuch as lassen, weber. Collection of complete texts by jain scholars from around the globe. History of jainism is the history of a religion founded in ancient india.
It is called sin or evil, is a major factor in the bondage of jiva. Jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. Some religious jains will follow what mahavira did and fast for diwalis two days. Jainism traditionally known as jain dharma, is an ancient indian religion. In india, they share this feature with the buddhists. This booklet provides a brief summary of each agama in gujarati. Jainism emerged in 6thcentury bce india, the same time buddhism was developing. Jainism is one of the three most ancient indian religious traditions still in existence and an. Shah jain study center of north carolina raleigh 401 farmstead drive, cary nc 275115631 9194690956 and fax email. The texts containing the teachings of mahavira are called the agamas, and are the canonical literature the scriptures of svetambara jainism mahaviras disciples compiled his. Jainism bears a striking resemblance to buddhism in its monastic system, its ethical teachings, its sacred texts, and in the story of its founder. Catholic university of eastern africa, kisumu campus.
Shah is a common jain name, as are dodhia, haria, gudka, seth. Hence, the jain religion does not have one sacred book like the bible or koran. The perfect name is hidden on the internet or between the folds of a baby name book. Popular jainism books meet your next favorite book. Broadly, jainism is divided into two major schools of thought, digambara and svetambara. Jaina tradition teaches that a succession of 24 tirthankaras saints originated the religion. This is a complete ebook of on the indian sect of the jainas, by johann georg buhler. Outside of india, east africa kenya, tanzania and uganda has significant communities. If youre on a hunt for a swahili baby name, momjunction has. There are no commandments but the texts discusses the natural laws of the universe. Mar 17, 2015 jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. Selected brief writings covering topics of interest.
Good books can change your thinking and thinking can change your life. The word jain is taken from the word jina, which means getting victory over thy self and the peripheral world. This shows a time of thinking and ruefulness for a jain believer. A system of beliefs and practices that is relative to superhuman beings.
The crucial details used from the book are on the nonviolent nature of the jains. The name jainism derives from the sanskrit verb ji, to conquer. The reason is very simple, this book consists of a biography of lord mahavira in detail, and the lives of the other prophets tirthankaras. Pages in category kenyan jains the following 3 pages are in this category, out of 3 total.
The first of these was rishabhanatha, who according to. Sogani, it represents the continuation of indigenous. It was a time and place of religious renewal, in which several groups reacted against the formalized rituals and hierarchical organization of traditional hinduism, desiring something new and fresh. A brief cultural profile ofthe jain people of kenya. Agams are the jain texts which are based on the discourse. Jainism does have scriptures called agamas meaning canonical texts. Teachings of jainism stress on the ideas of equality, nonviolence, spiritual liberation and selfcontrol. They may accidentally cause violence by breathing out or inhaling insects. Instead they have a collection of holy writings and scriptures.
This agam describes the names, positions, and residences of devas angels. Fundamental beliefs of jainism the soul is bounded by karma from the beginning of time the principles governing the successions of life cycles birth, life, and death is karma. The name of the holy spirit guardian in zoroastrian religion. This booklet provides a brief summary of each agama with a few key sutras highlighted. The agam sutras show great reverence for all forms of life and strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, nonviolence, and opposition to war. Jainism is not a revealed religion, but a religion of purely human origin. Hindus are in a similar position, even though they have the vedas, which can be considered the ultimate source of teaching. Pilgrimage pilgrimage in jainism temples on the shatrunjaya hills, gujurat an important jain site.
Some artifacts found in the indus valley civilization have been suggested as a link to ancient jain culture, but this is highly. Bc as protests against the overdeveloped ritualism of hinduism, particularly its sacrificial cults, and the authority of the veda. Paradham, vallabh baug lane, tilak road, ghatkopar east, mumbai, maharashtra 400077, india. Diwali has a special significance in jainism because on this day mahavira achieved deliverance and gave his last teaching. The tradition presented in the materials below is one of the. Jainism bears a striking resemblance to buddhism in its monastic system, its. According to jain beliefs, the universe was never created, nor will it ever cease to exist. Asrava denotes the inflow of karmic matter by the soul. Jainism is one of the most ancient religions that originated in eastern india and it was founded around the 6th century. To celebrate diwali parents give candy to their children and all over india there are lamps lit.
Parasparopagraho jivanam the function of souls is to help one another is the motto of jainism. It is considered holy because of all the tirthankaras are believed to obtain nirvana while meditating together on the top of the mountain. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. The jain literature which was complied by ganadharas and srutkevlis is known as agam literature. May 18, 2006 the arhant heritage jainism shraman culture is confirmed by the writings in srimad bhagwad, padmapuran, vishnupuran, skandapuran and shivpuran, naradpuran, manusmriti and other religious book. Jan 08, 2009 let me answer your question in short and sweet. Jains are also distinguished by socioreligious communities.
Followers of jainism are called jains, a word derived from the sanskrit word jina, meaning victor. Unlike monotheistic traditions, the jains do not have a unique holy book that characterises their faith. Unlike most common monotheistic religions, jainism does not have one holy book that characterizes their faith. Followers of jainism are called jains and must observe five major vows. The arhant heritage jainism shraman culture is confirmed by the writings in srimad bhagwad, padmapuran, vishnupuran, skandapuran and shivpuran, naradpuran, manusmriti and other religious book. Jainism is an indian religion which is traditionally believed to be propagated by twentyfour spiritual teachers known as tirthankara. In addition, the book describes how this nonviolent nature shapes the history of the world, and other religions. Jains see these texts, which are the transcriptions of lord mahavirs sermons, as sacred documents. Hold the idea that mahvira gave up al impurities, sleep, eating. Instead they have a body of holy writings or scriptures. It teaches that the universe is eternal and that every living being has a soul. A holy mountain that jains often visit is in shatrunjaya in gujarat.
Kenyan jains have a more moderate view, accepting a high standard of living, travelling by. While there are differences in practices, the core philosophy and main principles of each sect is same. Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. Rather, there are many religious texts the most wellknown of which are the agams that include transcriptions of the oral history provided to us by tirthankars and jain teachers, as well as scholarly commentary on the interpretation of the religion.
The holy teachers are called the jina, and they are the epitome of teaching for all jains, especially the jina mahavira. Jainism lays heavy emphasis on nonviolence ahimsa and the believers of this religion, whether a monk or a householder, follow a very strict, well disciplined life. Jainism is transtheistic, and jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twentyfour leaders or tirthankaras. Mencius also spelled mengzi or mengtzu, a book of his conversations with kings of the time, is one of the four books which form the core of orthodox confucian thinking. In fact, the householders are supposed to evolve to the monkhood in the later stages of life as was the case with the hinduism in the vedic era. The holy book of jainism is known as the kalpa sutra or sutras. Jainism simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The a to z of jainism covers the history of jainism that spans a period of more than 2,500 years. Sohan raj tater former vice chancellor, singhania university jhunjhunu raj. Some mendicants use mouthcloths to avoid harming the onesensed beings and tiny insects in the air.
They hold cloths in front of their mouths when preaching or reading scriptures aloud. The holy book of jainism is a collection of texts known as agam literature or the agam sutras. The name is derived from jina, conqueror, one of the epithets popularly applied to the reputed founder of the sect. Injury to and killing of livingbeings is a heinous sin and results in terrible punishment. India settled in eastern african countries, most notably kenya and uganda. These texts are the holy scriptures of the jain religion.