Jainism

Jainism was preached by 24 Tirthankaras over the ages; the religion teaches liberation of the soul through right faith, knowledge and conduct.

• The 1st Tirthankara was Rishabhanatha (Rishabhdev / Adinatha).
• The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha, regarded as a historical figure who lived before Mahavira.
• The 24th (last) Tirthankara was Vardhamana Mahavira (c. 600 BC).
• The word Tirthankara means a "ford-maker" — one who builds a crossing across the river of worldly existence.

Mahavira was born into a royal Kshatriya family near Vaishali, and his family details are a high-yield exam table.

• He belonged to the Kshatriya (warrior) class and the Jnatrika (Jnatrika) clan.
• His childhood name was Vardhamana.
• His father Siddhartha was the chief of the Jnatrika clan.
• His mother Trishala was the sister of Lichchhavi King Chetaka of Vaishali.

Mahavira renounced worldly life, did long penance, attained omniscience and finally achieved nirvana — best remembered as a linear journey.

• He practised severe penance for 12 years before attaining enlightenment.
• He attained Kevala Gyan (Kaivalya / omniscience / supreme knowledge) at Jrimbhikagrama (Jrimbhika village) on the bank of the Rijupalika (Rajupalika) River, under a Saal tree.
• After enlightenment he was called Mahavira ("Great Hero"), Jina/Jitendriya (conqueror of senses) and Kevalin.
• His first follower (first disciple) was Jamali (his son-in-law).
• He attained Nirvana (death) at Pavapuri (Pava) in 468 BC.

The path to liberation in Jainism rests on three jewels (Tri-Ratna) which together free the soul from karma.

• Samyak Darshana = Right Faith (Samyaka Darshan).
• Samyak Gyan = Right Knowledge (Samyaka Gyan).
• Samyak Charitra = Right Conduct / Right Action (Samyaka Acharan).
• Together they lead the soul to Moksha (salvation / liberation).

Mahavira added a fifth vow to the four taught by Parshvanatha, giving Jainism its famous code of conduct.

• Ahimsa → Non-violence (the supreme vow).
• Satya → Truthfulness.
• Asteya → Non-stealing.
• Aparigraha → Non-possession / non-attachment to property.
• Brahmacharya → Celibacy / chastity — this 5th vow was added by Mahavira; Parshvanatha had taught only the first four.

Jain thought stresses non-violence, a non-creator universe, and a unique theory of "maybe" — the doctrines of Anekantavada and Syadvada.

• Anekantavada = the doctrine of many-sidedness (reality can be seen from many viewpoints).
• Syadvada = the theory of "maybe / may be so" — every statement is conditional/relative.
• Ahimsa (non-violence) is the central belief; Jains are strongly opposed to violence and to animal/blood sacrifices.
• Karma & rebirth — the soul is bound by karma; right faith, knowledge and conduct lead to Moksha.
• Jainism denied the authority of the Vedas and taught in the language of the common people.
• The universe is considered eternal, made of living entities (Jivas) and non-living entities (Ajivas).
• On the god-question Jainism is regarded as Monotheistic (rather than polytheistic) — it does not accept a creator god but reveres a supreme spiritual ideal.
• Jains worship the Tirthankaras, pray to them to fulfil their wishes, and offer sweets/gifts — treating the Tirthankaras as their deities.
• Jainism's impact on the State — it promoted a just and disciplined polity (rule) through its emphasis on non-violence and ethical conduct.

Mahavira preached in the people's language and won the support of kings and merchants, helping Jainism spread.

• He was a contemporary of King Bimbisara (and Udayan) of Magadha.
• Jainism received support from rulers and the merchant/trader class because of its non-violent approach.
• It spread mainly within India (unlike Buddhism, which spread to many parts of the world).
• It had a great influence on Indian art, architecture and literature.

Two great councils were held to compile the Jain scriptures and they also led to the split into two sects.

• The Second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) in the 5th–6th century AD, presided over by Devardhi Kshamasramana.
• At the second council, the Jain canon (Agamas / 12 Angas) was finally compiled and written down.

A famine in Magadha and disputes over wearing clothes split the Jain community into two great sects.

• Digambara — followers of Bhadrabahu; monks remain naked, practising extreme austerity.
• Svetambara — followers of Sthulabhadra; monks wear white clothes.
• The split followed a 12-year famine in Magadha, when Bhadrabahu migrated south with his followers.

Jainism enriched Indian literature with its sacred canon and left behind famous temples and cave architecture.

• Jain literature was written largely in Prakrit (and later Sanskrit), preserving valuable mathematical and logical works.
• Jain architecture includes masterpieces of temples, caves and monoliths, especially in western India.
• The Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu, Rajasthan) and the Udayagiri caves are famous Jain monuments.
• The colossal statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka is a celebrated Jain monolith.

Jainism and Buddhism arose around the same time and shared many ideas, yet differed sharply on the path to be followed.

• Both denied the authority of the Vedas and opposed blood sacrifices.
• Both taught in the language of the common people and admitted disciples of all castes and both genders.
• Both believed in the doctrine of Karma and stressed right conduct over rituals.